AfBAA to Launch Commercial General Aviation Symposium at EBACE
The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) will launch the AfBAA Commercial General Aviation Symposium (CGAS), at EBACE 2018, booth W43. Nairobi, Kenya will be home to the meeting that will take place 21-23 November 2018. This will be the Association’s first meeting focusing on flight operations in the turboprop hub of East Africa, as the spotlight shines on the CGA community.
Rather than a one-day conference, where attendees are seated in a single space, the event will take advantage of tailored, focused sessions and workshops discussing the operational needs of rotary aircraft, remotely piloted aerial systems, and business jets. The variety of missions, and the huge spectrum of aircraft serving the humanitarian, tourism, medevac, agricultural, and industrial sectors in East Africa have defined the parallel-session format. The symposium will aim to build a platform from which smaller suppliers and operators can interact with local, regional, national, intercontinental and international colleagues. Each session will address specific topics, and attendees will be encouraged to debate and discuss relevant issues currently affecting those operating in the sectors.
AfBAA is partnering with Nairobi-based The Aero Club of East Africa, which has been supporting aviation in Kenya since 1927. The members’ club serves those with an interest in aviation, and acts as a base for pilot training, air shows, safety seminars, and navigation education. It will provide the venue for the CGAS pre- and post-event networking activities, as well as hosting the table–top exhibition.
“As far as we know this type of format has not been undertaken previously for an aviation event in Africa, but the Association has a duty to represent the interests of these sectors in addition to business jets. We’re delighted that our first Kenya event will focus on the aviation workhorses of the region,” said Rady Fahmy, CEO of AfBAA. “Unlike West Africa which maximises the capabilities of longer-range jets, East Africa depends on the flexibility, versatility and “off-road” capabilities of the smaller turbo-prop and helicopter machines. We are very excited to set this event in motion.”
AfBAA confirms second AfBAC-EXPO 2019
Following the successful first outing of the African Business Aviation Conference and Expo, where 1000 delegates enjoyed three days of dedicated business aviation discussion and networking, AfBAA has also confirmed that the second edition will be held in early Q2, 2019. South Africa will be the host venue with the conference and exhibition spanning three days of activity when once again delegates will meet to network and discover more on the latest trends in African Business Aviation. The first event attracted an audience from around the world and it is anticipated the second will be no different with organizations currently conducting, or planning to conduct, business either into, or on the continent, needing to participate.
“Last year’s event was met with such enthusiasm that we have chosen to make this a bi-annual event offering the market an opportunity to exchange information and update themselves on new regulations. The African business aviation sector is extremely dynamic, continuously changing, and adapting to the market needs. We need to be sure to serve the hunger for information, provide reliable data and supply invaluable research. The next event will obviously be bigger and better than our first and we are already signing up sponsors and speakers,” said Fahmy.
The EXPO will include presentations, panel discussions, interactive debate, as well as a variety of workshops covering targeted subjects pertinent to the African business aviation industry. In addition to the workshops and discussions, there will be training sessions made available to the attendees, with topics focused on safety regulations.
EBACE delegates are invited to visit the booth to find out more about participating in any of the events.
About AfBAA: The African Business Aviation Association was launched in May 2012 to represent the interests of the Africa’s aircraft owners, operators, and suppliers to the Business Aviation community in a single voice. AfBAA currently has 102 members and is a member of IBAC.
AfBAA’s primary objective is to promote the understanding and benefits that Business Aviation provides for the continent’s economic development and prosperity through advocacy. As an active, professionally run organisation AfBAA is committed to increasing membership, raising awareness of the Association internally and externally in Africa, and supporting all entities involved in Business Aviation in Africa.
Chairman Tarek Ragheb, and Executive Director Rady Fahmy, work with the Founding Members and Board of Directors to lead development of the Association.
