Kenya Airways to host this year’s IATA regional forum on September 7

Kenya Airways chief executive officer Sebastian Mikosz. The CEO will be among keynote speakers at the 2019 IATA regional forum on September 7. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NMG 

In Summary

• This year’s forum will run under the theme ‘Aviation Connecting and Enriching Africa’ and once again the international aviation community will pitch for open skies

By MICHAEL WAKABI
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Kenya Airways will host the 2019 edition of the International Air Transport Association IATA regional aviation forum for Africa on September 17, in Nairobi.

This year’s forum will run under the theme ‘Aviation Connecting and Enriching Africa’ and once again the international aviation community will pitch for open skies.

But also on the agenda will be the economics and sustainability of Africa’s air transport industry, the digital transformation of the industry, new trends in flight safety and operations as well as developing regulatory mechanisms that support sustainable growth while delivering quality infrastructure.

Announcing the Nairobi forum, Muhammad Ali Albakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East said that while the pace of Africa’s aviation industry has experienced strong growth, obstructions to its growth are hindering prospects.

“Africa is set to become one of the fastest growing aviation regions over the next 20 years, with the industry set to expand by nearly 5 per cent annually. This creates significant opportunities for aviation to fuel sustainable economic growth, and social development.

“However, the continent’s economy cannot take off while its runway is obstructed,” Mr Albakri said.

Kenya Airways’ Chairman, Michael Joseph, and Chief Executive Officer, Sebastian Mikosz will be among keynote speakers and Mr Albakri will deliver the keynote speech.