KEY POINTS
- Africa improved air safety but faced setbacks in 2024.
- High costs, poor infrastructure, and low global safety adoption persist.
- Sustainability offers opportunity but requires significant energy transition.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has commended Africa for its significant strides in air safety between 2020 and 2023, citing no fatal accidents or losses during that period. Speaking at the African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly in Cairo, IATA Director-General Willie Walsh expressed satisfaction with the progress while stressing the need to address persisting challenges in the sector.
Africa’s strides in improving air safety performance
Walsh praised African airlines’ improved safety record over recent years, noting their potential to strengthen the continent’s aviation sector. However, he lamented that 2024 marked a step backward in safety. “Africa has enormous potential. It is home to 18% of the world’s population but accounts for just 2% of global air transport,” Walsh said, adding that adopting global standards could unlock the continent’s aviation growth.
He highlighted IATA’s Safety Leadership Charter, which outlines eight principles for standardizing safety culture across airlines. While 14 African airlines have signed the charter, Walsh urged the remaining carriers to participate.
Challenges facing African airlines in achieving global standards
Despite progress, African carriers face challenges, including high costs and taxes, poor airport infrastructure, and some of the highest jet fuel prices globally. Low adoption of international safety standards remains another critical issue.
Walsh also called on airlines to contribute data to the Global Aviation Data Management initiative, emphasizing its importance in enhancing safety. Additionally, he urged governments to meet the African Civil Aviation Commission’s (AFCAC) 60% implementation threshold for ICAO safety standards and address delays in investigating and reporting aviation accidents.
Sustainability and the future of African aviation
Walsh also discussed aviation sustainability, highlighting the industry’s 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a key component of this transition, currently lacks production in Africa. Walsh described this as both a challenge and an opportunity for development in the region.
“With Africa’s energy transition, SAF will contribute over 60% of the mitigation needed for decarbonization. Expanding its production can significantly benefit the continent’s aviation industry,” Walsh said.
The IATA chief emphasized the importance of collaboration between airlines and governments to improve safety standards, address environmental concerns, and unlock Africa’s aviation potential.
