The Gabonese capital welcomes this week the elite of African civil aviation. As the continent’s aviation sector faces major post-pandemic challenges, the 9th edition of AFI Week promises to be a pivotal moment. Between growth ambitions and sustainability imperatives, African air transport players are called upon to redesign the future of African skies.
Since Monday, July 15, Libreville has hosted the 9th edition of the Africa-Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Week 2024), a crucial event for the future of African civil aviation. This five-day meeting brings together key players in the continental and international aeronautics sector in the Gabonese capital.
The Vice President of the Republic, representing the Head of State, inaugurated this high-level conference. In his opening speech, Joseph Owondault Berre stressed the importance of this annual gathering which ” engages policy makers, regulators, operators and development partners in the search for solutions to address the challenges identified ” in various crucial areas of aviation.
Captain Loïc Moudouma Ndinga, Gabonese Minister of Transport, and Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), both highlighted the significant significance of this edition for the future of the African aviation sector.
AFI Week 2024 focuses on major issues, including the post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery and the sustainability of the air transport system. These issues are of particular importance for Africa, where annual traffic growth of 5% is anticipated in the coming years.
Loïc Moudouma Ndinga listed the main challenges to be met: ” These include strengthening air safety by continuing to invest in staff training and the adoption of innovative technologies, developing adequate aeronautical infrastructure to meet the growth in air traffic, promoting competition and market liberalization to stimulate innovation, and reducing air ticket prices, reducing the environmental impact of air transport by adopting more sustainable policies and investing in the most energy-efficient technologies .”
Since its inception, AFI Week has established itself as a key forum for dialogue and collaboration in the African aviation sector. The progress made in recent years is tangible: significant increase in passenger numbers, creation of new routes and airlines, testifying to the considerable potential of the sector on the continent.
Conference participants are, however, aware that many obstacles remain for African civil aviation to reach full maturity. Discussions, which will run until 19 July, will aim to define concrete strategies to overcome these challenges and chart an ambitious trajectory for the future of air transport in Africa.
As the continent strives for better connectivity and stronger regional integration, AFI Week 2024 in Libreville could well mark a turning point in the history of African civil aviation.
