AFRAA AND RWANDAIR SET TO HOST THE 2016 EDITION OF THE AFRICAN AVIATION STAKEHOLDER CONVENTION
(Posted 07th May 2016)
A cocktail get together will mark the social start of the 2016 edition of the AFRAA Aviation Stakeholder Convention tonight but business gets underway tomorrow morning for the next three days at the Kigali Serena Hotel & Conference Centre in the Rwandan capital.
Besides the main hosts, Dr. Elijah Chingosho, Secretary General of AFRAA and Mr. John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir will the opening ceremony also see ICAO’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Director Mr. Barry Kashambo join Mr. Raphael Kuuchi, IATA Vice President Africa, Mr. Ihabo Sosina, Secretary General of AFCAC and Col Silas Udahemuka, Director General of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority on the podium. The panel will later be joined by Rwanda’s Minister for Infrastructure Hon. James Musoni, who as Guest of Honour and representative of the Rwandan government will officially launch this 5th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention.
As further background for readers, to perhaps explain the reasons for, aim and objectives of this African aviation conference, some additional information:
The Aviation Stakeholders Convention
Background
Africa is amongst the fastest growing air transport markets in the world and its economic development is pulsating with an enhanced and dynamic commercial enthusiasm. In total, aviation in Africa is set to grow at 4.7%, outperforming the global average of 3.8% with seven out of the ten fastest-growing markets in percentage terms being in Africa. The aviation industry on the continent is positioning itself for rapid growth and expansion. The economic transformation taking place all over Africa is indeed in part due to the ever growing aviation sector. Traffic is growing at levels not seen before and new airlines are emerging. In particular, domestic and intra-Africa air travel is growing significantly due to the burgeoning middle class and a surge in intra-regional trade across our continent. It is therefore critical that all stakeholders put their weight behind the aviation sector in order for us to create the much needed enabling environment for air transport business to thrive and contribute to the continent’s sustainable rapid development.
Why hold this Convention?
The Aviation Stakeholders Convention (ASC) is an initiative borne out of AFRAA’s members’ deliberations on the need to bring together various stakeholders of the industry with the view to foster dialogue, build sustainable networks in supply chain management, create a competitive environment for business and improve the aviation business support base in the continent. This includes: Civil Aviation Authorities, Air Navigation Service Providers, Airports, Airlines and service providers such as ground handling companies, fuel suppliers, aircraft and engine manufacturers, providers of information communications technologies, trainers and consultants in an effort to forge win-win business relationships for the mutual exploitation of business opportunities in the continent.
The AFRAA Executive Committee continues to endorse the programme of the Convention and accepts that it amply meets the needs of the industry. We need these conventions to enable industry players deliberate on developments in the industry as well as review business opportunities. Suppliers of various products, components and services to the African air transport industry also require a forum like the Aviation Stakeholders Convention to meet current and potential clients in one place.
Now in its fifth year, the Convention provides outstanding profile building, networking, and direct sales opportunities for suppliers of equipment, goods and services who are interested in engaging with top corporate buyers in airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and training establishments. Delegates at this convention will benefit from innovative strategies, proven solutions, best practices and information on a win-win supplier-customer relationship.
The 2016 Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention
The 2016 Convention is being convened under the patronage of the Minister of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda, Hon. James Musoni under the theme, “Winning Together through Innovation and Collaboration” and is expected to attract over350 high profile delegates, speakers, panelists and session moderators from the aviation industry in Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.
The programme covers presentations and panel discussions on trendy subjects in aviation. In addition to the conference sessions, the programme has been structured to incorporate the following:
(1) Presentations and panel discussions on industry topical subjects.
(2) Master Classes where cutting edge ideas, industry best practices, new opportunities and practical solutions will be presented and discussed. The following classes have been scheduled:
i) Aircraft Economics and Maintenance Cost by Boeing Commercial Airplanes
ii) Total Revenue Optimization- Driving Value to Your Commercial Organization by
Sabre Airline Solutions
iii) UAV: The new kid in town. How drones will change your business by Lufthansa Consulting
(3) Scheduled one to one meetings
(4) Social events including cocktails and gala dinner
Benefits of attending the event
(1) Gain valuable insights from industry leaders on how to improve your supply chain management.
(2) Discover how to leverage on new technology the smart and cost-effective way.
(3) Deliver customers centric service, increase operational efficiency and reduce cost through smart integration of airline and airport systems.
(4) Learn about how successful airlines in Africa are successful and restructure your business to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
(5) Find out where the business opportunities are, which routes to operate and how your network can be coordinated to yield the best results.
(6) Sustain business growth by exploiting financing opportunities for aircraft, technology and other equipment.
(7) Deepen partnerships with airlines and industry suppliers.
(8) High value networking, one-to-one business discussion a exhibitions all in one place.
(9) Build relationships with airlines and suppliers.
(10) Benefit from in-depth knowledge in a specific area through the Master Class sessions.
Benefits of hosting the 5th Aviation Stakeholders Convention in Rwanda
The Convention in Rwanda will:
(1) Give RwandAir a unique opportunity to show case its profile and its leadership role in African aviation. RwandAir being an important player in aviation industry in the region, staging the Convention at the airline’s home base and hub will be a great opportunity to achieve this objective.
(2) Strengthen Rwanda’s place in aviation country in the region.
(3) Further promote the country’s tourism sector and in particular the growing MICE business
Interested readers can also follow the event via Twitter hashtag #ASC2016
