Uganda will host the 55th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) general assembly in November. The main focus of the assembly is to encourage more women to become pilots in the aviation industry. Uganda Airlines’ CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki, highlighted that men currently dominate the cockpit in Uganda, with only six women pilots.
The assembly, taking place at Commonwealth Speke Resort in Entebbe, will address the theme “Strides to Transform Aviation for Development.” This gathering is expected to be a significant event for Uganda, promoting both the aviation sector and the tourism industry.
One key topic for discussion is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a crucial issue in the refining and aerospace industries. By 2030, all airlines flying into Europe will be required to have SAF-empowered engines, posing a financial challenge for Uganda. SAF, a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation, can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% and can be produced from various sources like waste oil, green waste, and non-food crops.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggests that SAF could contribute significantly to the aviation industry’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
The assembly is expected to host 409 global delegates, including aviation spare part manufacturers, technology companies, and finance institutions. Binen Betty, from Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, sees this as an opportunity for the country to showcase its tourism potential.
AFRAA, founded in 1968 in Accra, Ghana, is a leading trade association of African Union nations’ airlines, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. With 50 member airlines representing over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines, AFRAA aims to establish and facilitate cooperation among African airlines.