By Our Reporter
Africa’s aviation market, estimated to be worth over US$ 80 billion, continues to attract a lot of attention especially from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is attributed to the high volumes of business going on between the continent and UAE. To this end, the UAE has established the first ever Aviation Africa 2015 forum to be held between the 10th and 12th of May 2015 in Dubai.
The forum has been established to forge a crucial dialogue among the aviation industry’s leading stakeholders on the social, economic and political benefits to be gained from wide-ranging improvements to the infrastructure in Africa. It will underscore the immense potential of the African aviation market.
Aviation in Africa currently supports more than 6.9 million jobs and over US$ 800 billion in GDP across African nations. Annually, a further 155,000 jobs and US$1.3 billion in GDP can be added through the effective liberalization 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).
“If you look at the sheer potential of just a handful of African airlines, routes and airports, you realize just how enormous an impact Africa can have on the future of aviation. Moreover you can clearly see just how beneficial a progressive aviation industry can be for the socio-economic future of the continent. Geographically, it’s ideally located right next to well-established hubs in the Gulf, and is able to capitalize on the passenger and cargo traffic already streaming through the region. Aviation Africa 2015 will fill a void in the aviation calendar and give Africa a real chance to progress quickly, effectively and safely,
