Uganda Airlines CEO says the national carrier will minimize its operational losses when it starts buying jet fuel at a lower cost. The African Airlines Association, of which Uganda airlines is a member, is working towards negotiating for lower-priced jet fuel from suppliers to enable its members to boost their profits.
The African Airlines Association is also Uganda Airlines’ strategic partner in aviation cooperation, capacity building, partnerships and research. According to the Uganda Airlines, the summit will focus on strategic cooperation in areas that would accelerate African air transport growth and allow the continent to play a larger role on the world stage.
The conference is expected to attract over 600 delegates involving Airlines Chief Executive Officers, Engineers, support staff and other service providers. This development was announced on Monday by Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General of African Airline Association (AFRAA) who revealed that according to the facilities they have toured so far, there is no doubt Uganda has the required capacity to host the General Assembly come 2023.
“Out of 44 member states, we considered Uganda following its successful application in our last meeting held in Nairobi. In the meeting, we shall be discussing a number of issues rotating around strengthening the Airline business in Africa as well as strengthening it to stand strong amidst all challenges,” Berthe said.
He further noted that this will not only benefit people in the aviation sector but asked all Ugandans to ensure that they tap in to the wide range of opportunities that will be coming with this Assembly. Speaking at the engagement, Works and Transport Minister Edward Katumba Wamala extended the government’s appreciation to the delegation from AFRAA for entrusting Uganda, one of their youngest members, with hosting such a high-level meeting.
“As Uganda, we have hope that we shall get an opportunity to address the issue of unhealthy competition amongst our Airlines which is counterproductive. Instead, we shall be devising means of promoting linkages with other Airline Companies.” “Among the delegates who will be attending this meeting, we expect Chief Executive officers (CEOs) of member Airline Companies, manufacturers of Aircraft like Boeing, CRJ and Bombardirer, fuel suppliers, ground handling
Apart from creating employment opportunities for people in Transport, Hotel and Hospitality sector, Katumba pledged to engage the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that it fully utilizes the opportunity of wooing the visitors to take tours to several destinations across the country. “Through this Association, the African Airlines participate in promotion of best practices through advocating for the reduced costs of Transport services in Africa through reducing taxes fees and other related charges,” Berthe said.
He added, “They also strive for implementation of cost effective Human Resource Development and lobby for market access to increase revenues and enhance connectivity for the African Aviation sector. ”
