More than 400 aviation experts and key stakeholders will meet in Kigali to chart ways of boosting airline business on the continent.

The 5th aviation conference slated for May 7th to 9th aims at fostering dialogue and building sustainable networks in the supply chain of the airline business across the continent.

It is also geared at creating a competitive environment for aviation business on the continent, Eustache Ngoga, the Director of Legal Affairs, Rwanda Civil aviation Authority (RCAA), said.

It is the first time Rwanda is hosting this summit.

The summit is organized by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in partnership with RwandAir and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

According to IATA’s 20-year passenger forecast, Africa is set for strong expansion in air connectivity with passenger growth expected to average 4.4 percent.

And this growth in both passenger and cargo is spurred by huge economic growth and investments in many African countries.

Meanwhile, Aviation supports 6.9 million jobs and $80 billion in GDP in Africa and its important role in the continent cannot be understated.

Therefore building sustainable partnerships for the mutual benefit of the aviation industry is necessary and will help airliners exploit the opportunities in Africa and overcome the huge challenges that abound in the continent.

"AFRAA aims to bring together the suppliers of the whole range of aviation products and services and the potential customers of these products and services at one venue annually for purposes of networking, knowledge exchange, business negotiations and forging of win-win business relationships,” AFRAA Secretary General, Dr. Chingosho said. He added that the forum is a platform that facilitates the exploitation of opportunities in the continent by the various stakeholders with the view to ultimately improve the aviation support base in the continent.

RwandAir Chief Executive Officer John Mirenge thanked the Association for choosing Remarkable Rwanda as the venue for the Convention.

According to Mirenge, RwandAir has become an important player in the aviation industry in the region.

Therefore hosting this important summit is a great opportunity that will further strengthen Rwanda’s place in aviation in the region.

"It also presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s infrastructure and natural attractions for business, tourism, personal travel as well as a preferred destination for conference tourism,” said Mirenge.

Under the theme "Winning Together through Innovation and Collaboration,” the conference is structured to incorporate presentations and panel discussions on trendy subjects in aviation.

There will also be an exhibition of products, solutions and services by aviation suppliers in different categories.

Suppliers and service providers will benefit from the outstanding visibility, networking and direct sales opportunities by displaying their products and interacting with delegates at the conference.

The Convention will also provide an outstanding brand visibility and business opportunity for industry partners and suppliers of equipment, components, solutions and services.

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