Press Release

Issued by AfBAA African Business Aviation Association.

July 22, 2015

As interest in The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) Annual Symposium, to be held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel, 24 and 25 September, continues to grow, the organisers have announced an impressive line up of dignitaries and speakers attending. Alan Peaford (MBE), who as editor-in-chief of African Aerospace, brings a wealth of knowledge, information and thought-provoking questions to the event, will once again chair the symposium.

AfBAA is delighted to welcome senior representatives from the African Union who will underline the role business aviation plays in supporting this industry. Senior officials from the Ethiopian and other African governments are also anticipated to attend.

New interactive formats will also feature that aim to encourage the audience to engage with the speakers and share their opinions. A duo of debates are likely to initiate lively discussion when those of differing views are asked to publicly debate the hot topics of finance and charter brokerage. A series of round tables will focus on selected topics that form an integral part of aviation and are of interest to specific parties. Held at the end of day one, the informal round tables will invite specialists in a field to discuss with interested parties dedicated subjects. Delegates and members are invited to submit subjects when they register.

Traditional panels and presentations will also form part of the mix with the topics covering the challenges facing operators flying to international destinations; opportunities for completion activity and MRO business development in Africa; and the issues concerning flight support and trip planning. The common theme to all the panels will be how governments can stimulate, facilitate or support these sectors of the industry.

A number of industry leaders have also been invited to give individual presentations on new and fascinating topics. Medevac, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Engine and Airframe Management, and Research Use will all feature as presentation topics which hope to enlighten the audience to the science behind these complex sectors.

“The event is already receiving interest from a number of corporate sponsors which value the platform the symposium offers,” said Tarek Ragheb, AfBAA founding chairman, “we want to encourage a full range of delegates to attend and also encourage them to help set the agenda through our interactive round tables. We've also revised our sponsorship options with a wider range of options so more companies can take the opportunity of exposure to this influential audience. We're very excited about this one,” he adds.

“As Africa continues to be the leading light in business aviation development these symposia are building a reputation for not just talking about aviation, but actually making significant changes, and causing new behaviour in the industry. As the association representing the industry in Africa, this is what we set out to do, and I believe that this year's symposium will be the strongest yet,” added Rady Fahmy, executive director.

The event will be held over two days and will finish with a gala dinner for the final round of networking.