By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
African aviation leaders
have called for greater investment in resilient, efficient and future-ready
airport infrastructure as the continent seeks to meet rising air travel demand,
strengthen connectivity and unlock opportunities in trade, tourism and investment.
The discussion formed part
of the 10th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition, which concluded in Nairobi
following two days of discussions on infrastructure, partnerships and
innovation in the aviation sector.
Kenya Airports Authority
General Manager, Operations and Safety, Dr Simon Peter Njoroge, participated in
a panel discussion titled “Africa’s Airport Story: Building the Continent’s
Runways for Tomorrow.”
The panel examined how
African countries can develop airport infrastructure capable of responding to
increasing passenger and cargo demand while improving operational efficiency
and strengthening regional and international connectivity.
Njoroge was joined by SITA
President for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye Selim Bouri, Swissport Kenya
Chief Executive Officer Racheal Ndegwa, Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority Vice President for Airline Business Development Paul B. Bobson and
Aéroport International Blaise Diagne Chief Executive Officer Askin Demir. The
session was moderated by Business Traveller Africa Editor Chloe Greenbank.
Discussions focused on the
role of infrastructure development, technology, partnerships and innovation in
preparing Africa’s airports for future growth.
The panel also considered
the wider economic importance of modern airport infrastructure, particularly
its contribution to trade, tourism, investment and the movement of people and
goods across the continent.
The Kenya Airports Authority
also supported the summit through its Security and Customer Service teams,
which helped facilitate a secure and welcoming environment for delegates.
Officials and staff from
various KAA departments also participated in the summit’s engagements,
contributing to discussions on the future of aviation infrastructure.
