The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the second edition of Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference (WOCFA), with the theme of Towards a More Resilient and Sustainable African Aviation will be hosted by South African Airways in Johannesburg in South Africa.

In a press statement, IATA says that WOCFA will be held on July 2-3 and delve into priorities under IATA’s Focus Africa initiative to strengthen aviation’s contribution to the continent’s economic and social development, along with improving connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers.

Kamil Alawadhi

“Africa’s aviation market holds immense untapped potential, with expectations for traffic to double in the next 15 years. The Focus Africa Initiative has identified key priorities that, if addressed collaboratively and effectively, will bolster Africa’s aviation industry and enhance its socio-economic impact,” says Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East.

“A year into the Focus Africa Initiative, we have seen progress in areas such as safety, but there is still a long way to go. This year’s IATA’s Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference builds on this progress by addressing critical areas such as safety, security, sustainability, economic development, and the overall resilience of the industry,” adds Alawadhi.

John Lamola

Professor Malesela John Lamola, Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways will deliver an opening keynote address. “We are delighted to host IATA’s Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference and welcome the aviation industry to our home, Johannesburg. Advancing the air transport industry is critical for Africa’s economic growth. The conference will allow industry leaders to join forces and drive the agenda for a stronger, more resilient African aviation industry,” says Lamola.