African Airlines Association and International Air Cargo Association sign MoU to work closely on development of air cargo

In photo from left: Astral Cargo Aviation Managing Director Sanjeev Gandhi, International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Secretary General Vladimir Zabkov, Outgoing African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General and CEO Dr Elijah Chingosho, Incoming AFRAA Secretary General and CEO Abrahmane Bertha.

African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work closely on the development of air cargo for the benefit of their mutual members and the industry at large.

Outgoing AFRAA Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Elijah Chingosho said his organization was constantly seeking ways to create more value to its members, adding that the cooperation with TIACA would tap into their expertise and knowhow on air cargo.

“With the financial and economic performance of African airlines being currently below global standards, AFRAA believes it can build on our mutual experience and expertise with TIACA to help change the fortunes of African carriers. We expect synergies to emerge among our organisations.” Said Dr Chingosho.

He said under the MoU, the two Associations would work to improve air cargo safety and security, as well as champion industry’s adoption of digitization, and offer new training initiatives with the aim to support the rapidly developing air cargo sector in Africa.

Dr Elijah Chingosho, hailed the MoU thus: “It is important that the oft-neglected cargo sector receives the attention it deserves at AFRAA forums and conferences.”

TIACA Secretary General Mr Vladimir Zubkov sad the landmark agreement would allow TIACA to offer its expertise to the much larger group of airlines in Africa.  He said other areas of cooperation included advocating for improved market access across the continent, the modernization of air cargo facilities and services, and promotion of environmental best practice

Mr. Zubkov was upbeat about the MoU stating: “TIACA stands to benefit from better connection with the continent, which is the fastest developing in air cargo movement.

Also present at the signing in Kigali, Rwanda were the incoming AFRAA Secretary General and CEO Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, Mr. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO Astral Aviation, and Dr. Koussai Mrabet, AFRAA Director Commercial for Coorporate and Industry Affairs.