RwandAir’s Chief executive officer, John Mirenge has been elected president of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) for 2017. AFRAA is a trade association of airlines from African Union (AU) member states. Mirenge was elected during the association’s 48th annual general assembly in Zimbabwe.

He replaces Ripton Muzenda, the CEO of Air Zimbabwe who has been AFRAA president for the past one year. Other members include Mbuvi Ngunze, CEO of Kenya Airways who was elected the new chairman of the executive committee, while Abderahmane Berthé, CEO of Air Burkina, and Safwat Musallam, the chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, will be first and second vice-chairpersons, respectively, of the executive committee.

The committee plays an oversight role, drafts policy and oversees implementation of projects and programmes by the secretariat.

Speaking at the event, Mirenge pledged continuity in advocating for reduction on the cost of operations in the aviation industry and strong collaboration from member states.

A statement from AFRAA said the RwandAir chief brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the association.

AFRAA was founded in Accra, Ghana in April, 1968, and its headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya. The association’s primary purpose is to foster commercial and technical co-operation among African airlines and to represent their common interests.