African Aviation Leaders Convene in Johannesburg to Tackle Profitability & Growth
The 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention (ASC) opened on Monday 18 May 2026 in Johannesburg, bringing together more than 500 aviation leaders from nearly 50 countries under the theme “Resilient African Aviation: Partnerships – Empowerment – Profitability.”
Jointly hosted by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and South African Airways (SAA), the three-day gathering aims to strengthen collaboration and chart a path toward a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector across the continent.
South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, who officiated the opening, emphasized the government’s commitment to positioning both the country and Africa as influential players in global aviation. Delegates at the event include airline executives, regulators, airport authorities, financiers, and aviation solution providers.
AFRAA Secretary General Abdérahmane Berthé delivered a candid assessment of the industry’s challenges, citing geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, rising operating costs, and infrastructure deficits as major constraints. He stressed that Africa’s fragmented regulatory environment—spanning 54 countries and numerous bilateral agreements—makes cooperation essential.
“The question is no longer whether Africa will grow, but whether African aviation will be sufficiently prepared and positioned to capture that growth sustainably and remain competitive,” Berthé said. “Survival is not the ambition. The ambition is to build an African aviation industry that connects this continent affordably and safely.”
SAA Acting CEO Matshela Seshibe echoed the call for unity, describing collaboration as critical to long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Additional remarks from Kenya Airways Acting Group CEO and AFRAA Executive Committee Chairman Captain George Kamal, and IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East Kamil Al-Awadhi, reinforced the need for liberalization, infrastructure investment, and stronger cross-industry partnerships.
Profitability gap in focus
Despite rising passenger demand, African airlines continue to lag behind global profitability benchmarks. Industry projections indicate the continent’s carriers will collectively generate about 200 million US dollars in net profit in 2026, equivalent to a margin of 1.3 percent or roughly 1.30 dollars per passenger. This compares to a global average of 7.90 dollars per passenger.
The convention’s agenda directly addresses this disparity, with sessions focused on fleet optimization, digital transformation, sustainable financing, and expanding market access. The opening plenary, titled “Resilient Growth in a Fragmented Aviation Landscape,” examined how global uncertainty and infrastructure limitations shape Africa’s aviation outlook.
Technical collaboration and strategy sessions
Ahead of the official opening, AFRAA convened a series of committee meetings on 17 May, including sessions on distribution, technical operations and training, and route network and cargo coordination. These closed-door discussions aimed to align airline strategies and operational priorities.
A dedicated consultative session on fleet acquisition and financing, led by Jetcraft Commercial President Raphael Haddad, provided airline executives with practical guidance on aircraft selection, financing structures, and long-term planning. The session highlighted disciplined fleet strategy as a key lever for improving airline profitability.
Three-day programme
The convention features keynote interviews with airline CEOs, panel discussions on sustainability and market access, and presentations on topics such as air connectivity, aviation hub competitiveness, digital payments, and cargo development. Masterclasses on loyalty programmes, fleet lifecycle management, and airspace safety are also scheduled.
The event will conclude with the 3rd African Aviation Safety and Operations Summit on 20 May, organized in partnership with the Flight Safety Foundation.
About the convention and AFRAA
Now in its 14th edition, the Aviation Stakeholders Convention is AFRAA’s flagship platform for policy dialogue and industry collaboration. The 2026 edition is hosted by South African Airways under the patronage of South Africa’s Ministry of Transport.
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Nairobi, AFRAA represents African airlines that account for more than 85 percent of the continent’s international air traffic. The association advocates for a more integrated, sustainable, and globally competitive African aviation industry.
