Aviation Africa event 2015 gets under way in Dubai

The event was opened by Alan Peaford MBE, editor in chief, Arabian Aerospace and African Aerospace, who said: “This is a two-way opportunity for delegates to come together, share experiences, find out what worked in the Middle East, and could work in Africa, change perceptions and explore new opportunities.

 

“There has been unprecedented growth in the region – seven out of the top 10 fastest-growing countries in the world are in Africa.”

 

He added that aviation currently supports more than 6.9 million jobs across the continent and more than $800 billion in GDP across African nations.

 

“But this is nothing compared with what it can become,” he added. “Annually, a further 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in GDP can be added through the effective liberalisation of just 12 key markets, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa among others, according to an independent report published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).”

 

The two-day event is bringing together government and civil aviation authorities; senior airline management; business aviation operators and specialists and others from the aviation industry.

 

“Networking is a key part of the event,” said Peaford. “It is a meeting place for African and Middle East aviation business people, bringing them access to finance and offering new business opportunities.”

 

The event also features an exhibition with more than 40 companies including Boeing, Jeppesen, African Open Sky, Ethiopian Airlines and Astral Aviation. The event is supported by AFRAA – African Airlines Association, AfBAA – African Business Aviation Association and the Gold Sponsors are UAE International Trip Support and DAE – Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.