The 5th Africa Aviation stakeholder’s convention has kicked off in Kigali with a call on the airline industry to embrace efficiency and innovation to boost connectivity on continent.

Under the theme "Winning together through innovation and collaboration” the summit has attracted more than 400 aviation experts and key stakeholders from across the continent.

The experts are deliberating on ways and mechanisms on how to boost   airline business on the African continent.

It is the first time Rwanda is hosting this summit.

The two-day conference is expected to help foster dialogue on how to build sustainable networks in the supply chain of the airline business across the continent.

It is also geared at creating a competitive environment for aviation business on the continent, Eustache Ngoga, the Director of Legal Affairs, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), said in a an earlier interview with The New Times.

The summit is organized by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in partnership with RwandAir and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

During the summit, various products, innovative solutions and services expected to boost the industry will be exhibited.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa’s 20-year passenger forecast is set for strong expansion in air connectivity with growth rate of more than 4.4 percent.

The growth in both passenger and cargo is spurred by huge economic growth and investments in many African countries.

Aviation industry supports more than 6.9 million jobs and contributes $80 billion in GDP in Africa.

Experts believe building sustainable partnerships for the mutual benefit of the aviation industry is necessary and will help sector players exploit the opportunities in Africa and overcome the huge challenges that abound in the continent.

"AFRAA aims to bring together the suppliers of aviation products and services and the potential customers at one venue annually for purposes of networking, knowledge exchange, business negotiations and forging of a win-win business relationships,” AFRAA Secretary General, Dr. Chingosho said. He added that the forum is a platform that facilitates the exploitation of opportunities on the continent by the various stakeholders with the view to ultimately improve the aviation support base in the continent.

RwandAir Chief Executive Officer John Mirenge thanked the Association for choosing Rwanda as the venue for the summit.

According to Mirenge, RwandAir has become an important player in the aviation industry in the region.

Therefore hosting this important summit is a great opportunity that will further strengthen Rwanda’s place in aviation in the region.

"It also presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s infrastructure and natural attractions for business, tourism, personal travel as well as a preferred destination for conference tourism,” said Mirenge.

business@newtimes.co.rw