(Posted 08th October 2023)
The incoming Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa’s, in short known as AASA, were elected at the body’s 53rd Annual General Meeting and will serve for the next 12 months.
Joao Po Jorge has been re-elected as AASA’s Chairperson. He is the Director-General of LAM Mozambique Airlines, with Interim CEO of South African Airways, Prof. John Lamola, as the Deputy Chair.
“National, regional and geopolitical shifts and uncertainties, macro-economic headwinds – driven by rising energy costs, weakened local currencies, inflation and unemployment – together with changed market dynamics and customer behaviour, have forced Southern Africa’s airlines to become more agile, cost efficient and innovative to satisfy their customers’ needs. Joao and John will provide guidance and support to AASA as we continue engaging governments and their agencies to ensure that policy, regulations and standards promote competitive, affordable, economically and environmentally sustainable, secure and safe air transport with comprehensive intra-African connectivity,” said AASA CEO, Aaron Munetsi.
AASA’s annual general assembly was hosted by TAAG Angola Airlines and held in the Angolan capital. It was attended by over 160 delegates representing airlines, airports, air navigation and weather services, aircraft and engine manufacturers, industry suppliers and other stakeholders.
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa represents most of the airlines in the Southern African Development Community bloc on matters of common interest relating to government policies, legislation, regulations, planning, operational efficiency, safety, security, taxes, charges and other matters affecting its members’ sustainability and the provision of affordable and accessible air transport throughout the region.
AASA was established in 1970 and currently has 15 airline members and 38 associate members, including infrastructure service providers, aircraft and engine manufacturers and other industry suppliers, ground handling companies and allied industry bodies.
AASA is a regular participant and contributor to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) and supports their initiatives in the region.
