Vision for Africa’s Aviation Future

Minister Creecy highlighted the full recovery of global air transportation, projected for the 2024/25 financial year following the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the aviation sector is key to driving economic development and innovation. Creecy introduced the concept of the aerotropolis, where airports serve as the core of urban and commercial growth, stimulating job creation, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. South African cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban were cited as potential hubs for such developments, alongside other African cities like Nairobi and Addis Ababa.

Creecy reflected on the pre-pandemic aviation landscape, where Africa supported 440,000 direct jobs and contributed $63 billion to the continent’s GDP. She stressed the importance of aerotropolis projects, enhancing air connectivity, and boosting regional trade and tourism across Africa.

Aiming for Sustainable Growth

A recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) report forecasts a 105% growth in South Africa’s air transport by 2037. This would generate an additional 21 million passenger journeys annually, create 800,000 jobs, and add $19 billion to the economy. Creecy underscored the need for African nations to work together to harmonize regulations, standardize aviation procedures, and improve collaboration among aviation authorities to streamline operations across the continent.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

Creecy reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a continental initiative designed to enhance airline cooperation and competition, benefiting both leisure and business travelers. South Africa’s participation in SAATM’s pilot implementation project will help the country better understand the benefits and risks of the agreement.

The minister also acknowledged Africa’s growing reputation for safety in aviation, noting that no commercial airline accidents have been reported on the continent in the past four years. South Africa, Ghana, and Ethiopia lead the way in safety oversight, achieving high safety ratings in audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A Green Future for Aviation

Minister Creecy emphasized the aviation sector’s responsibility to reduce its environmental impact, calling for investments in green technologies and alternative fuels. She referenced the 41st ICAO General Assembly’s resolutions, which outlined global commitments to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. South Africa’s participation in ICAO’s environmental initiatives has been on-going since 2018, and the country is committed to assisting other African states in achieving these goals.

Preparing for Future Challenges

As she concluded her address, Minister Creecy urged the aviation industry to develop stronger continuity models that prepare for unexpected natural disasters and global risks. She called on African nations to use the summit as an opportunity to collaborate, build resilience, and create an aviation industry that serves the continent’s and the global community’s needs.

In closing, Creecy handed over the flag to Rwanda, which will host the next Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, signifying the continuation of Africa’s collective journey toward a prosperous and sustainable aviation future.