Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki speaking to fellow CEOS
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, has said Uganda is ready to host the 55th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) General Assembly from November 19 up to November 21, 2023 at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala.
Founded in 1968, AFRAA is the leading aviation forum on the continent.
Speaking at the CEOs’ Breakfast at 4 Points By Sheraton in Kololo on Friday morning, Bamuturaki said hosting the AFRAA AGA is an opportunity for Uganda to shine on the global stage, present its progress, and contribute to the development and growth of the aviation sector within the country and the continent.
She added that it’s a chance for Uganda to foster relationships with global industry players, potentially attracting investments and partnerships that could benefit the country’s aviation sector and beyond.
“We have been in operation for just four years and to be hosting AFRAA AGA is a huge thing for the country and also for the Airline,” Bamuturaki said.
According to Bamuturaki, hosting AFRAA “is like a stamp to confirm that we are strong in the industry and we sit as part of the executive committee of the industry.”
“We hope that we can be able to be part of the global aviation scene as a country and that means we can be able to negotiate for certain things that were coming up because there was no major airline coming out of Uganda. Now, we can be able to say no, this should not happen like that, it can happen like this,” said Bamuturaki.
She revealed that invitees include 40 Airlines Chief Executive Officers and 500 delegates in total from 35 countries.
So far, 409 delegates have confirmed attendance.
These include major players in the aviation industry including fuel dealers, aircraft manufacturers, spare parts dealers and suppliers among others. 33 Airlines have also confirmed attendance.
This year’s AGA is being hosted under the theme, “Strides to Transform Aviation for Development.”
“Given the changes that are happening globally, we are looking at having these conversations. One of areas we are going to be talking about is Women in Aviation. When you come into the cockpit, it is mostly the men. We have only six lady pilots. And we want to understand, why don’t the ladies don’t go beyond a certain level. So, some of those conversations will be happening,” Bamuturaki said.
She says “AFRAA is a lead intermediary between African airlines, governments, international regulators, and it takes the lead to discuss among each other.”
“It is very difficult to fly on the African continent. You literally have to get out of the continent and get back on another carrier that is not an African carrier. What AFRAA has helped do is come up with a project so that you can be able to ease movement, pricing, taxation, among ourselves within Africa. It’s a bit of challenge to move it forward but one of the things that was part of my agenda was for Uganda to be ready to sign to the project,” she says.
Bamuturaki said that sustainability remains a major concern for airlines.
She says there are talks of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) which will in the next few years be a requirement for flying into Europe.
She however said Uganda Airlines is ready to implement SAF.
During the AGA, delegates will also offer best practices in the industry.
AGA to boost tourism
On top of hosting AFRAA, Bamuturaki said that it is not just about the meeting but rather promoting Uganda as a top tourist destination.
“The one thing we want to do is to promote Uganda. It is about what Uganda offers. 409 out of 500 delegates have registered to attend the AGA,” Bamuturaki said.
Bamuturaki appealed to participants to “make the most of this event to network.”
“Companies are coming to look for investment opportunities in Uganda,” Bamuturaki said.
“In addition to statutory Assembly matters to be discussed, there are conference and exhibition components of the AGA. Presentations and panel discussions on some of the topical industry subjects by airline CEOs and reputable industry resource persons will characterize the conference segment. There will also be exhibition of products, solutions and latest technologies in aviation by reputable service providers from across the world. Further, the AGA also avails quality time and opportunity for networking and business meetings among African airlines, industry partners and service providers,” AFRAA says via its official website.
In an earlier interview with Business Focus, the AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthé, said Uganda will benefit on many fronts by hosting the 55th AFRAA AGA.
“The biggest impact will be on tourism. When you bring 500 delegates to Uganda not only from Africa, but also from the US, Europe and other continents, some will come with their families and later visit the country,” Berthé said.
He added: “On the business side, when you bring together our members; we have 50 members and 38 partners which comprise of aircraft equipment manufacturers, service and solution providers in aviation. It gives us an opportunity to network and gives Uganda Airlines an opportunity to be visible not only on the continent, but globally because our assembly is the biggest African aviation event so far. Everywhere they know that the 55th AFRAA General Assembly will be in Uganda hosted by Uganda Airlines.”
