The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and theInternational Air Cargo Association (TIACA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) on 13 th November 2017 to work closely on development of air cargo for the benefit oftheir mutual members and the industry at large.
The MoU was singed at the side-lines of thejust-concluded AFRAA 49 th Annual General Assembly & Summit that took place at theKigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. According to Dr. Elijah Chingosho, “AFRAA is constantly seeking ways to create morevalue to its members, and in doing so we are very excited to deepen the cooperation with TIACA, to tap into their expertise and knowhow on air cargo. With the financial andeconomic performance of African airlines being currently below global standards, AFRAAbelieves it can build on our mutual experience and expertise with TIACA to benefit bothorganisations and help change the fortunes of African carriers. We expect synergies to emerge among our organisations.”Under the MoU, the two Associations will work to improve air cargo safety and security, aswell as champion industry’s adoption of digitization, and offer new training initiatives withthe aim to support the rapidly developing air cargo sector in Africa.
“This is a landmarkagreement that allows TIACA to offer its expertise to the much larger group of airlines inAfrica,” said Vladimir Zubkov, Secretary General, TIACA. Other areas of cooperationinclude advocating for improved market access across the continent, the modernization of aircargo facilities and services, and promoting environmental best practice, as well as workingtogether on future events.Dr Elijah Chingosho, AFRAA Secretary General hailed the MoU stating: “It is indeedimportant that the oft-neglected cargo sector receives the attention it deserves at AFRAAforums and conferences.” Mr. Zubkov was upbeat about the MoU stating: “TIACA stands to benefit from betterconnection with the continent, which is the fastest developing in air cargo movement. We arehappy to offer assistance from TIACA in structuring the air cargo part of the future AFRAAagenda.” The memorandum was signed by Mr. Vladimir Zubkov, TIACA Secretary General and DrElijah Chingosho, AFRAA Secretary General.
Others present at the signing ceremonyinclude: Mr. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO Astral Aviation, the incoming AFRAA Secretary General,Mr. Abderahmane Berthé and Dr. Koussai Mrabet, AFRAA Director CommercialCoorporate& Industry Affairs.
