Africa to host first aviation suppliers confab as airline market soars

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) will host the continent’s first aviation suppliers conference from March 7-8, 2012 in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Currently, Africa is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world with a 12.9% growth in 2011, according AFRAA. And it is projected to grow by over 7.5% year-on-year over the next 10 years.

Dubbed the “Aviation Suppliers and Stakeholders Convention 2012”, the conference is expected to boost the aviation supply chain management for African airlines.

The conference is aimed at “bringing together airlines, airports, civil aviation organisations and air traffic and navigation service providers on the one hand and aircraft/engine manufacturers, component suppliers, IT and other service providers to the industry,” said AFRAA in a statement.

Secretary General of AFRAA, Dr. Elijah Chingosho said the conference will foster dialogue, build sustainable networks in supply chain management, create a competitive environment and ultimately improve the aviation support base on the continent.

AFRAA indicates that it plans to help improve the industry supply chain efficiency and capacity as part of efforts to support the rapidly growing aviation business in Africa.

By Ekow Quandzie