NAIROBI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The aviation sector in Africa is keen to embrace innovation and modern technology to accelerate growth and boost the continent's sustainability agenda, executives said Thursday at a forum in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
Allan Kilavuka, chief executive officer of Kenya Airways, the national carrier, noted that for the continent's airlines to withstand external shocks, including the global economic slowdown, they should focus on reinventing passenger and cargo services to reflect speed, efficiency, and a green ethos.
"By harnessing innovation and consolidating their assets, African airlines will be able to connect the continent better while boosting trade and integration," Kilavuka said at the third Africa Aviation Innovation Summit.
Convened by Kenya Airways and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the two-day summit brings together senior policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the latest innovations, technologies, and best practices that can inject vitality into the continent's aviation sector.
Kilavuka said African airlines, informed by disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, are committed to continuous reinvention as a means to stay relevant, competitive, profitable, and sustainable.
In addition, Kilavuka said the continent's aviation sector should align their operations to zero-emission goals besides leveraging digital tools such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things to meet the aspirations of the new generation of travelers.
Abderahmane Berthe, secretary general of the AFRAA, said the long-term profitability of the continent's aviation sector will be hinged on harnessing innovation to enhance seamless travel, reduce carbon emissions, and improve customers' experience.
Berthe urged African airlines to invest in customer-centric innovations to improve efficiency, cut operational costs, and boost their brand visibility.
Somas Appavou, regional director of external affairs and sustainability for Africa at the International Air Transport Association, observed that innovation is key to unlocking the growth and commercial viability of the continent's airlines grappling with risks such as geopolitical tensions and global inflation.
According to Appavou, African airlines are well positioned to withstand the seismic shift unleashed by digital technology, provided they prepare early, invest in supporting infrastructure, and reskill their workforce.
He called on the continent's airlines to balance human connectivity with planetary health by adopting greener fuels and using drones to deliver cargo to remote areas, while ensuring that their ground fleets consist of electric vehicles. ■
