AFRAA’s 56th AGA: Collaboration and Innovation for Africa’s Airlines

African Airlines Association (AFRAA) recently concluded its 56th Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Cairo, Egypt. Hosted by EgyptAir under the High Patronage of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the event was officiated by H.E. Dr. Sameh Ahmed El Hefny, the Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation.

The Assembly, themed “Transform and Develop the Airline Industry in Africa,” brought together over 600 delegates from 60 countries. Discussions focused on strategies to transform and develop the African airline industry, with key recommendations made in areas such as aircraft financing, sustainability, hub transformation, revenue management, and the pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.

In his welcome address, Eng. Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company and 2024 President of AFRAA, highlighted the resilience of the aviation industry amidst global challenges. He emphasized Egypt’s strategic investments in infrastructure and urged African airlines to focus on collaboration and sustainability.

AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, noted the industry’s recovery and growth post-pandemic, with many African airlines surpassing pre-pandemic operating levels. He highlighted AFRAA’s contributions to enhancing connectivity, sustainability, infrastructure development, and collaboration.

The Assembly also saw the election of Kenya Airways as the Chairman of the Executive Committee, LAM Mozambique as the first Vice Chairman, and Tunisair as the second Vice Chairman. TAAG Angola was elected as the President of the Association and will host the 57th AGA in Luanda, Angola, from November 30 to December 2, 2025.

As part of the pre-AGA activities, AFRAA held the second edition of the AFRAA CEOs retreat, where member airline leadership teams brainstormed on the Association’s priorities and strategic plan for 2026-2030.

New members and partners were welcomed, including Z. Boskovic Air Charters Ltd, Berniq Airways, Skyward Express, and ECAir as associate members, and Aviation Co-ordination Services (Pty) Ltd, VISA, Knighthood Global Limited, and AI12 as full partners.

The 56th AGA also recognized outstanding performance in the African aviation industry through the AFRAA Annual Awards. Ethiopian Airlines was awarded Airline of the Year for Global Operations, Kenya Airways for Best Improved Results in Profit Ratio, and Eswatini Air for Best Improved Intra-Africa Connectivity.

AFRAA’s priorities for 2025 include safety, connectivity and route development, air transport sustainability, and the implementation of the AFRAA 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. The Association also launched the AFRAA Route Intelligence Portal to provide members with key aviation data and analytical reports.

In a CSR initiative, AFRAA, in collaboration with the African Section of the Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots and EgyptAir, organized a youth outreach event to promote aviation careers among students in Cairo.

The 56th AFRAA AGA was a significant step forward in transforming and developing the airline industry in Africa, setting the stage for future growth and collaboration.