Swissport has joined IATA’s Focus Africa initiative which aims to support the transformation and growth of African aviation.
The company will help improve the connectivity, safety and sustainability of African aviation.
Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Global Cargo Chair of Swissport International, commented, “Swissport recognizes the immense potential of the aviation industry in Africa and is committed to creating a positive impact. Together with IATA, we aim to support passengers and cargo customers and ultimately promote the continent’s economic development.”
The company has been expanding across Africa and now offers its services to 31 airports in six countries.
Focus Africa
IATA’s Focus Africa initiative has outlined six key focus areas:
- Safety: Improve operational safety through a data driven, collaborative program to reduce incidents and accidents.
- Infrastructure: Facilitate the growth of efficient, secure, and cost-effective aviation infrastructure.
- Connectivity: Promote the liberalization of intra-African market access through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
- Finance and Distribution: Accelerate the implementation of secure, effective, and cost-efficient financial services and adoption of modern retailing standards.
- Sustainability: Assist the African aviation industry in achieving Net Zero by 2050.
- Future Skills: Promote careers in aviation for a steady supply of diverse talent to meet future industry needs.
Partners and stakeholders are encouraged to support Focus Africa’s objectives and projects by providing financial investment, time, research, and participation in task forces.
“Africa’s aviation industry has the potential to transform lives and economies,” explained Kamil Al-Awadi, regional vice president, Africa, and Middle East of IATA. “Through collaboration with partners like Swissport, across the aviation industry we aim to confront these challenges head-on, building a more sustainable and prosperous aviation ecosystem together. Swissport’s commitment to support the Focus Africa demonstrates a shared vision for the future of African aviation.”
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