The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have signed an agreement that will see the two associations promote sustainable development of the local aviation industry.
The two will collaborate in engaging Kenyan policymakers on air transport matters, and form joint advocacy to address challenges in the industry such as taxes and charges, aviation policy and market restrictions.
They are also expected to partner on infrastructure and capacity building and implementation of the roadmap of the African Air Transport Sustainability Steering Committee (ATSSC).
KAAO chairman Mbuvi Ngunze said as part of the organization's strategy, they are aiming at developing strong partnerships for advocacy and mutual benefit.
''We are keen to leverage learnings from AFRAA as they have a pan-African view of the opportunities and challenges faced by the air transport industry in Africa of which Kenya’s robust aviation sector forms,'' Ngunze said.
Additionally, the MoU will allow the two associations to collaborate in data and intelligence, and conduct subsidized training courses through AFRAA’s ATO partnership framework.
“There are some country-specific opportunities and challenges of the airline industry in Africa that vary from country to country. AFRAA is excited to forge a close working relationship with KAAO,'' AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé said.
He added that this approach is a building block to AFRAA’s mission for a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa where airlines become key players and drivers of economic development.
AFRAA and KAAO will align periodically to review the implementation of the annual Action Plan and explore areas for further collaboration.
