Global aviation industry leaders are scheduled to gather in Windhoek next week, from 19 to 21 June 2024, for the Aviation Development (Aviadev) Africa Conference.
The event is being hosted at the Movenpick Hotel by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).
This annual forum aims to bring together influential stakeholders, including airlines, airports, tourism boards, government officials and industry experts to foster collaboration, forge strategic partnerships, and explore opportunities to deliver new air routes and opportunities across Africa.
Over 35 airlines and 400 participants, the highest number ever for an Aviadev conference, have
confirmed participation at the Aviadev Africa event which has become renowned for a unique ability to create a conducive environment for aviation professionals to network, exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative strategies that drive sustainable air connectivity.
Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and works and transport minister John Mutorwa is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony.
The NAC is a key national asset, whose recovery is being led by a strategy based on its mandate to manage and develop airports.
Next week’s conference supports the Yamoussoukro Decision towards a Single Air Transport Market (SAATM) in Africa, and pursues partnerships to assist in carving out new opportunities for the continent’s aviation development and progress.
The NAC has stated that air travel is critical to its success, as it creates previously untapped
opportunities. Providing a boost to the growth and development of Africa’s aviation industry is one of the continent’s most critical regional integration drivers.
There is no doubt that better-connected African countries and regions through a successful air transport industry are drivers for increased commerce, trade, tourism and cultural exchange. “This is what we all live for,” stated NAC chief executive officer Bisey /Uirab,.
Namibia remains a popular tourism destination, with a diverse range of attractions to offer. The country is home to stunning scenery, including the Namib Desert, the Skeleton Coast and the Etosha National Park. Namibia also has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of ethnic groups and languages.
As such, the Namibia Tourism Board will host a networking welcome reception on 19 June at Movenpick Hotel, while the NAC, together with the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, will host a gala dinner at Droombos Wine Estate.
Platinum sponsors for next week’s event include Airbus, Embraer, NACO, NAVPASS and Tourvest, while AERCAP, AI12, AirlinePros, Network, Kiu, SITA and South Africa Tourism are the gold sponsors. Official carriers for the event are Fly Namibia, Discover Airlines and South African Airways, with Gondwana Collections on board a silver partners. The Namibia Aviation Training Academy (NATA) is an outreach partner for the conference.