Expert Tasks African Airlines On Sustainable Growth

A former Secretary-General of African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Nick Fadugba, has called on African airlines to adopt sound business plan for sustainable growth.

Fadugba who was speaking at African Aviation’s 21st Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Conference in Nairobi recently said many African carriers had not done well in managing business risks and costs, a situation that had affected their competitive abilities in relation to foreign airlines.

“To survive and prosper, African airlines need to adopt a sound business plan and seek strong partnership. While airline business models have certainly evolved in Africa, the reality is that a paradigm shift in attitude is needed to capitalise on growth opportunities, which are achievable through increased cooperation and consolidation,” he said.

Fadugba said that African governments and aviation regulators should create an enabling environment to attract financial resources and investment which were urgently required to fund the development of the African aviation industry.

“Without a strong, viable and profitable African aviation industry that facilitates business, trade, tourism and social interaction on African continent and beyond it will difficult to create wealth, eradicate poverty and promote sustainable economic development in Africa,” he said.

According to him, global airline alliances have turned their attention to the African continent in search of partners.