IATA identified (13-Nov-2017) five priorities for aviation to "deliver maximum economic and social benefits" in Africa:
- Enhancing safety efforts;
- Enabling airlines to improve intra-Africa connectivity;
- Unblocking airline funds;
- Avoiding air traffic management re-fragmentation and over-investment;
- Ensuring that Africa has "the professionals it needs to support the industry's growth".
Aviation supports 6.8 million jobs and contributes USD72.5 billion in GDP to Africa. Over the next 20 years passenger demand is set to expand by an average of 5.7% p/a. IATA DG and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: "Africa is the region with greatest aviation potential... Aviation is uniquely placed to link Africa's economic opportunities internally and beyond... Aviation can help in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of poverty and improving both healthcare and education". [more - original PR]