African governments need to focus their attention on aviation safety and the elimination of blocked funds to fully feel the benefits of aviation as a catalyst for trade, tourism and job creation. This is according to a news brief released by IATA outlining key priorities for strengthening the continents air transport industry.
'Africas aviation sector is a vital economic driver, contributing US75 billion to GDP and supporting 8.1 million jobs. The continents aviation market is projected to grow at 4.1 over the next 20 years, doubling by 2044, said Somas Appavou , IATAs Regional Director External Affairs for Africa.
Improve aviation safetyWhile safety in African aviation has improved, IATA notes that the continents safety rate lags the global average implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices SARPS.
Across 46 of 48 sub-Saharan African states, the average affective implementation of ICAO SARPS is 59.49, which is 9.67 behind the global average.
IATA found that, in 2024, runway excursions were the most prevalent among Africas 10 reported accidents and called for airports to improve performance in this area. Another area that needs attention is the delivery of timely accident reports. Of the 42 accidents occurring in Africa between 2018 and 2023, only eight saw the publication of a final report.