NAIROBI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Aviation industry leaders from around the world on Tuesday met in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, to discuss ways to improve collaboration, safety, and operational efficiency in the air transport sector.
The three-day International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference brought together airlines and policymakers to discuss solutions for strengthening the global air transport ecosystem.
Willie Walsh, IATA director general, said that Africa's aviation market is projected to grow at 3.7 percent over the next 20 years, bringing substantial economic and social benefits such as employment creation and technology transfer.
"This will require efficient, cost-competitive infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," Walsh said.
Walsh also observed that Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization system has the potential to significantly enhance the country's appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travel.
Allan Kilavuka, chief executive officer of Kenya Airways, noted that the country's aviation sector, including supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities, contributed 425 billion Kenyan shillings (about 3.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023.
Kilavuka noted that upgraded airport infrastructure is vital to strengthening Kenya's position as a leading East African hub for trade and tourism.
Kevin Larson, manager of central baggage services at U.S.-based Alaska Airlines, emphasized the need for baggage automation and digital tracking to improve air cargo operations.
Timos Korosis, ground operations product manager of Greek flag carrier Aegean Airlines, said that by adopting real-time tracking and smarter baggage systems, airlines can reduce mishandled luggage and improve turnaround times.
Korosis noted that airlines can strengthen their financial resilience through diversification into cargo services as well as other travel-related services beyond passenger revenue. ■
