IATA emphasized that developing the sector based on safety, efficiency, cost competitiveness, and sustainability creates jobs, boosts trade and tourism, and supports regional integration. This came during the "Focus Africa" conference, organized by IATA today in Addis Ababa, which focused on the aviation industry in Africa.
Kamel El Awady, IATA's Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, stated in his address at the conference: "Aviation represents a vital economic infrastructure in Africa, and the sector's long-term returns far outweigh any short-term tax revenues levied on passengers."
