from ADANE BIKILA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia Bureau
ADDIS ABABA, (CAJ News) – THE 11th Aviation Stakeholders Convention scheduled for Ethiopia will aim to Africa’s market share of the world market.
The continent’s share has remained stagnant at less than 3 percent, despite Africa’s vast landmass, its population accounting for 16 percent of the world population.
Africa also has a low share of global trade at 2 percent.
The convention scheduled for May 7-9 is hailed as timely and aligned to address this situation.
Ethiopian Airlines, under the patronage of the Government of Ethiopia, will host the event under the theme, “Changing the African Aviation Narrative.”
The Aviation Stakeholders Convention will bring together over 400 delegates from Africa and across the globe.
Abdérahmane Berthé, African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General, emphasised the importance of dialogue among stakeholders and collaborative initiatives such as those facilitated by AFRAA.
“AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines are excited to stage this convention for the travel ecosystem stakeholders to meet, deliberate on strategies to enhance efficiencies, create synergies, develop intra-Africa connectivity, ensure business continuity that will redefine the narrative of Africa air transport industry,” Berthé said.
AFRAA is the leading trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU).
Mesfin Bekele, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, said the convention of AFRAA will serve as a forum for stakeholders in the industry to discuss the opportunities and pressing issues in Africa’s aviation sector.
“The forum will showcase the ‘Africa Rising’ mantra manifested in the growing opportunities for all stakeholders in the continent’s aviation industry,” Bekele said.
– CAJ News