Global aviation body gets new deputy

By Philip Mwakio

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Raphael Kuuchi, a Ghanaian national as the Association’s Vice President for Africa effective from February 17, 2014.

Kuuchi joins IATA from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Nairobi, where he was the director, commercial, corporate and industry affairs.

Kuuchi succeeds Mike Higgins in the role, following Higgins’ reassignment as the regional head of airport, cargo and passenger services for Europe.  He will report to Hussein Dabbas, regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East.

Kuuchi will be based out of IATA’s Nairobi office, but will divide his time between IATA’s Africa regional office in Johannesburg and sub-regional offices in Dakar and Lagos.

“Africa has enormous potential for aviation. Kuuchi brings the expertise needed to ensure that IATA will continue to deliver leadership to these efforts, value to our members and partnership for the many stakeholders counting on our support and expertise,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO in a statement.

 “AFRAA Secretary General said IATA is well aligned in our commitment to support the successful development of aviation in Africa,” said Dr Elijah Chingosho, AFRAA Secretary General.“This is a great opportunity to deepen our co-operation with IATA, support our members and enhance the many benefits that aviation can bring to Africa.”