The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) to prioritize the development of its aviation sector as a vital driver of economic growth and job creation.
“South Africa’s aviation industry is poised for significant growth over the next 20 years, adding 345 million additional passenger journeys by 2043,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East.
“With aviation generating $6 in economic activity for every $1 spent, this expansion will inject billions into South Africa’s GDP and create thousands of new jobs. It is crucial for the new government to maintain this as a strategic focus.”
To maximize the economic and social benefits of aviation, Al-Awadhi emphasized the need for a strong policy focus on keeping costs low, providing sufficient capacity for growth, monitoring the cost-effectiveness of regulations, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
These priorities for strengthening South Africa’s aviation industry were discussed at IATA’s Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference (Wocfa) in Johannesburg, which gathered industry leaders, government representatives, and aviation safety and training entities to identify concrete actions for optimizing aviation in Africa and fostering sustained economic growth.
IATA specifically urged the new government to concentrate on:
- Infrastructure Costs: Ensure continuous consultation between Airports Corporation South Africa (ACSA), Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), and their airline customers to align services with airline needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Safety Leadership: Maintain a leadership role in southern Africa regarding safety, particularly in implementing ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has already set a strong example by recognizing the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) as a means of compliance in line with South Africa’s aviation safety regulations.
- Skills Development: Continue developing world-class skills to support the aviation sector. A recent training agreement between IATA and ATNS exemplifies cooperation that will enhance connectivity and create quality jobs in the sector.
- Sustainability: Implement policies that support the aviation sector’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal shared by governments worldwide.
“This is a win-win agenda for the new government, facilitating trade, encouraging investment, and addressing unemployment,” Al-Awadhi remarked.
“While South Africa’s aviation sector has faced challenges in recent years, it remains a critical enabler of economic growth and prosperity.
By focusing on safety, sustainability, skills development, and cost management, the new government can chart a course toward renewed strength in aviation, positively impacting the broader economy.”
