When experts converge on Kigali for Aviation Africa Summit 2022

The Aviation Africa 2022 conference which was held in Kigali, Rwanda from September 12 to September 13, 2022 was a gathering of all the players in all aspects of the aviation industry in Africa. The two-day conference was filled with in-depth panels bordering on the pertinent issues with regards aviation and travel and the conference was also an eye-holder to the uninitiated as there was a plethora of aviation exhibitors who showcased their latest products and innovations from drones by Zipline and Charis UAS Rwanda; RwandAir and Qatar Airways’ flight packages to aviation schools’ packages of Ethiopian Airlines and others and not forgetting the masterplan and prototype of the Bugesera International Airport which was displayed for the first time in public.

During his speech, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda stated that and quoting him verbatim: “The last time we met in Kigali, was three years ago. That meeting highlighted the importance of Africa’s aviation market, for our continent’s ambition to become a single economic bloc. Aviation was growing rapidly, and the future was bright. Since then, the covid-19 pandemic severely affected the aviation industry worldwide, and Africa was no exception. Airlines and airports around the world faced massive layoffs.”

The President of Rwanda further stated that; “Now, travel and tourism are getting back to normal. But the industry is not yet back to where it was. The further liberalization of air transport in Africa can act as a catalyst to speed up the industry’s recovery, by increasing connectivity, stimulating demand, and creating jobs. In the wider context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, open skies help to link our businesses to regional and global supply chains, boosting trade and investment. This is why the full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market must remain a top priority. Rwanda continues to do its part. Currently, RwandAir, our national carrier, serves 24 routes, 19 of which are in Africa. We intend to continue expanding within the continent, and abroad. We are working together with our partner, Qatar Airways, to grow RwandAir, and build Kigali’s new international airport, currently under construction, into a regional hub for passengers and cargo.

On employability and skillsets; the President of Rwanda opined that; “To accelerate the growth of our aviation industry, we must also address the shortage of skills across the aviation value chain. After all, aviation is a hugely attractive career for young people in Africa. As a meeting point for the public and private sectors, this summit is the right platform to drive the employment and skills conversation. Lastly, let’s prioritize the use of data and digital technologies, to make African aviation safer, more reliable, and more affordable. The aviation industry has a role to play, in reaching our global climate adaptation goals, and the use of sustainable fuels can help us get there, faster.”

Another poignant address was by the CEO of Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways Group CEO, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker addressed the attendees of the Aviation Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, highlighting the airline’s present and future in Africa, including topics such as commitment to network expansion, recruitment and sustainability.

Mr. Akbar Al Baker commenced by stating that; “Qatar Airways is underscoring its support of commercial aviation in Africa with a robust recruitment drive to supplement the almost 3,000 personnel from Africa already working with the airline. Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia are the aviation markets expected to grow the fastest in the coming years. The recruitment drive from Africa fortifies the airline’s expansion strategy on the continent where there are currently hundreds of vacancies, ranging from cabin-crew and cabin services, cargo and airport operations, customer services, engineering, and flight operations. This provides opportunity for an exciting and fulfilling career with one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and help drive aviation’s role as a driver of global development.”

The CEO of Qatar Airways continued by stating that; “We are well-positioned to capitalise on that growth, having committed to continue flying in Africa throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and expanding our operations since then. We will ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism. We need to build Africa’s human resources capacity and continue investing in the aviation workforce. Additionally, we recognise the need to encourage women to succeed and excel at all levels of the industry and for aviation to better reflect the public that we serve.”

The award-winning airline also saw a surge in cargo between January and July of this year, as Qatar Airways Cargo uplifted more than 48.5 million kgs in chargeable weight. More than 80% of cargo the airline exports from Africa comprises perishables such as cut flowers, fruit, vegetables and meat, helping to drive socioeconomic growth in Africa and delivering much-needed foreign exchange.

Mr. Al Baker ended his speech wishing the best of luck to all African countries participating in the FIFA World Cup this year taking place in Doha, Qatar.

It is noteworthy to highlight that since the start of the covid-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways resumed four destinations in Africa with Alexandria, Cairo and Luxor in Egypt; Khartoum in Sudan; and added eight new destinations with Abidjan in Abidjan, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, Harare in Zimbabwe; Luanda in Angola; Lusaka in Zambia; joining the current network of a total of thirty destinations on the African continent.

I got reactions from some important players in the aviation sector. Captain Jonathan Kordich who is the Executive Vice President of FlightPath International; based in Canada. On views about Aviation Africa Summit 2022; the veteran pilot and aviation expert stated that; “I give the summit 8/10 score. Two reasons why not 10/10. The General Assembly area location was very difficult to hear as the audience, and although I wasn’t on any panels at this show, I am sure the speakers experienced frustration due to the inevitable and uncontrollable exhibitors’ noise. Also, the Gala is an extremely significant event to and for further networking and relationships. It was held in the format of “Meet and Greet”, which was regretful that this was not conducted at this summit.” On his take-aways from the summit, he stated that; “Kigali is the right place among the major African cities for this type of summit. Irrespective, any convention is what you make it. For us, it was outstanding.”

For Ms. Stamatina Antoniou who is the civil sales manager of AMS Aero which is based in Greece, she stated that; “Aviation Africa Summit was a well-organised event, gathering major key players of the aviation industry such as airlines, civil aviation authorities, business aviation companies and related industries, who provided and are providing solutions and possibilities on how aviation in Africa can move forward by expanding their capabilities while ensuring air safety.”

Ms. Antoniou’s take aways were; “Presentations of the latest developments and innovative solutions in Aviation, were some of the major topics covered during this event. Aerospace Management and Support PCC (AMS AERO) proudly exhibited in Aviation Africa Summit 2022, provided opportunities and solutions related to aircraft maintenance (MRO) and Training (MTO). Taking into consideration that the evolution in Africa in respect of aerospace and defence aviation sectors, is moving fast, which AMS AERO wishes to be a part. Interesting meetings with customers, discussions with young people for training purposes and other companies were the highlights of this event expanding relationships, cooperations and exploring new opportunities.”

The veteran pilot from Malawi, Ivana Alvares-Marshall who is also the governor; African Section Ninety Nines stated that; “Aviation Africa Summit brought the aviation industry together after a time when the world went through so much chaos, it was very much needed. It was the first time for our organisation to attend the event.  The event was so empowering to be able to meet people in person again, meet likeminded people, forming collaborations, networking and gaining irreplaceable knowledge on latest news and events within the industry. Forming bonds meeting peers and colleagues old and new boosted everyone’s morale.” 

On her take-aways from the summit, the Malawian pilot stated that; “Rwanda President His Excellency Mr Paul Kagame mentioned how covid affected the aviation industry. Now the industry is slowly recovering we are seeing job creation. The full implementation of the African Transport Market is key element for the growth of Rwanda.”

Her take-aways from H.E Akbar El Baker, President of Qatar Airways speech include; Increase Africa’s connectivity; make available enough infrastructure to cope up with demand; make available enough man power in advance in the next generation of aviation professionals, address environmental sustainability as an urgent priority.”

She stated further that; “The African Section is a non-profit organisation of International Women Pilots called the Ninety-Nines. It is the only and first organisation for women pilots established in 1929 by 99 women pilots founded by Amelia Earhart. Our mission is to promote aviation through education through scholarships, mutual support and STEM education. In alignment with H.E Akbar El Baker regarding the next generation of aviation professionals and what our organisation does in promoting aviation through education. We need to see collaboration with organisations, airlines and industry groups, investment for the future youth, financial industry being more supportive in providing training loans, airlines taking responsibility in the recruiting of cadets and having cadetship programmes, STEM initiatives, grassroot programmes, implementing the aviation syllabus into schools at grassroots right through to university level, creating a talent pool to bridge the gap.” 

Dr Diran Fawibe, who is the Group Chairman of International Energy Services in Nigeria opined that; “The just concluded Aviation Africa Summit was a huge success in terms of organisation, issues discussed, and quality of presentations. The summit highlighted the recovery achieved in the industry post covid-19 pandemic that almost brought the industry to its knees. In the same vein, African industry operators are challenged to take advantage of latest developments especially with regards to integrated solutions aimed at helping airlines to fly safely and sustainably. African airlines and businesses are currently in upward trajectory mode, and this will significantly improve if African governments will improve airlinks or interconnectivity of their countries.