AFRAA’s 55th AGA: Key Highlights and Future Plans
• The 55th AFRAA AGA concludes in Uganda • Northern Africa leads 2023 African air traffic • AFRAA projects revenue loss to decrease to USD 1 billion in 2023 • EgyptAir to host 56th AGA
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) held its 55th Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Kampala, Uganda, hosted by Uganda Airlines. The event, officiated by Vice President of Uganda, H.E Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, took place from November 19-21, 2023, and welcomed 569 delegates from 49 countries.
Assembly Recommendations
The Assembly, themed “Strides to Transform Aviation for Development”, made recommendations on key areas including:
- The transformational value of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to African airlines.
- Collaborative and effective attainment of the Aviation Net Zero Roadmap.
- Innovation initiatives in Africa for sustainable aviation.
- Synergies for the development of intra-Africa tourism and air travel.
- Gender diversity and inclusivity actions to shape the future of aviation in Africa.
State of Aviation Africa Report Highlights
According to AFRAA, in 2022, African airlines experienced an average Passenger Load Factor of 71.6%, marking a 10.6% increase from 2021. However, this figure is still 7% lower than the global average.
During the third quarter of 2023, African airlines reached the number of Revenue Passenger Kilometers RPKs) for the same period in 2019.
AFRAA estimates that the number of passengers in 2023 will reach 85 million, which is 89% of the 95.6 million passengers in 2019.
Notably, Northern Africa accounted for 39.5% of the total African traffic in 2023, followed by Central and West Africa at 21.7%, Southern Africa at 19.4%, and Eastern Africa at 19.3%.
Cargo Operations
African Airlines represent an average of 30.6% in terms of cargo market share in 2023, according to World ACD.
Financial Impact
AFRAA estimates the revenue loss for 2022 at USD 3.5 billion, representing 20% of 2019 revenues. This will narrow down to USD 1 billion in 2023.
Jet fuel prices are rising, reaching $123.46 as at the end of October 2023. This trend of high fuel costs impacts fares and hinders air transport affordability for African citizens.
Safety Measures
Promoting and enhancing safety is one of AFRAA’s priorities. AFRAA, IATA, and AFCAC are currently running a 3-year project aimed at improving safety standards.
AFRAA Priorities for 2024
AFRAA’s priorities for 2024 include safety, connectivity and route development, air transport sustainability, and the AFRAA 5-Year Strategic Plan.
“At least two-thirds of African states have signed up to SAATM and are at different stages of implementation. Here in Uganda, internal conversations about joining SAATM have started.”
Ms Jennifer Bamuturaki, 2023 President of AFRAA and CEO of Uganda Airlines
New Members and Partners Join AFRAA in 2023
AFRAA, with a membership of 54 airlines spanning the entire continent, welcomed several new members in 2023.
The new members that joined AFRAA in 2023 include:
- Eswatini Air (Associate Membership)
- Ibom Airlines (Full Membership)
- MedSky Airways (Associate Membership)
- Zambia Airways Ltd (Associate Membership)
- Airlink (Pty) Limited (Full Membership)
- Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Ltd (Full Partnership)
- TP Connects (Full Partnership)
56th AGA Host
The 55th AFRAA AGA elected EgyptAir as the President of the Association. EgyptAir will host the 56th AGA in Egypt in November 2024.
