AfBAA welcomed more than 160 delegates from
over 60 international and African companies, to the first ever African Business
Aviation Conference held in Cape Town, November 17 – 18.
The latest event in AfBAA’s growing portfolio
was the largest yet, and will become an annual Cape Town fixture on the aviation
conference circuit.
Innovation was the conference theme and
leading by example AfBAA launched the continent’s first forum dedicated to RPAS
(Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) technology. Over forty delegates learned
about the possibilities for RPAS use in Africa. The highlight of the forum was a
presentation about ZipLine, a company using RPAS technology, in association with
the Rwandan government, to deliver urgently needed medical supplies across the
difficult terrain of the country.
Underpinning AfBAA’s commitment to innovation
CEO Rady Fahmy
used the conference as a platform to announce an expanded AfBAA collection of
events. The AfBAA Regional Symposium 2017 will take place in Nigeria where West
African Business Aviation will be the theme, as it runs for the first time in
collaboration with the annual Nigerian Business Aviation Conference. The newly
established Country Round Tables, which have already spawned the Ethiopian
Chapter of AfBAA, will provide an option for specific nations to discuss the
themes and topics affecting their business aviation industry as Kenya and
Nigeria were announced as the next locations. Access Africa, will complement
attendance at international events. Designed for companies eager to grow their
business in Africa the sessions will include presentations from leading African
organisations that will impart local know-how and expertise. EBACE 2017 will be
the venue for Access Africa’s first outing.
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Tarek Ragheb welcomes more than 160 delegates
to AfBAC 2016. |
Fahmy also announced that
Sascha Neusser
of Jeppesen will be leading a new professional development programme for flight
and ground operations through AfBAA’s Safety and Training Committee. It is being
formed in conjunction with the Association of African Aviation Training
Organisations. In addition the Aviation Security Committee was launched with a
vision to collate the best practices and resources to vet the risks of flying in
Africa, and explore how they can be mitigated. Training is now available for
operators flying over conflict zones and can be deemed essential on a continent
where at any one time conflict, hostility or emergency situations may emerge.
Supporting these new events and committees is a renewed Board of Directors* who
were introduced at the AGM preceding the conference. “Brimming with experience,
knowledge and energy directors from twelve international and African companies,
representing a full range of business aviation sectors, will now take AfBAA to
the next level,” said Tarek Ragheb,
Founding Chairman of the Association.
The AfBAC conference delivered on its
innovation promise with a first-of-a-kind line up of speakers covering new
topics particularly pertinent to the African market. Ex-US Navy Seal
Tom Rothrauff
talked about how to manage landing in conflict areas and the psychological
considerations; Pierre Lucas
of the World Food Programme discussed operational challenges for emergency
deliveries; whilst Jimmy Cho,
a Boeing Digital Aviation specialist, explained how big data collected by
omnipresent chips will affect the future of aviation; he also demonstrated how
the Microsoft HoloLens technology may change the future of training through the
use of augmented and virtual reality; whilst Investec economist
Chris Becker
explored how digital technology can advance
African business, through the use of cryptocurrency, 3D printing and Apps.
Operators, technology suppliers, maintenance
providers, engine manufacturers and regulatory bodies also spoke.
Nuno Pereira
CEO of Bestfly of Angola, and Segun
Demuren, CEO of Nigeria’s EAN
Aviation, argued that in the current African climate business grows organically,
“We are growing directly in response to market demand,” said Pereira. He also
encouraged competition arguing it prevents complacency. Demuren was concerned
that African CAAs think about security above all else when it comes to Business
Aviation, a consequence of years of conflict, “enterprise tends to come second,”
he lamented, “all our achievements in Africa are in spite of the government red
tape.”
Khader Mattar
VP of Sales for Bombardier in Africa confirmed that market demand for aircraft
has reduced from a few years ago but argues that it is up to the OEMs and jet
brokers to manage the demand, in order to satisfy the needs. The OEM panel
acknowledged that Africa is no longer the dumping ground for old aircraft. “The
market is much more savvy and won’t just respond to new models any more,” he
said highlighting the need to think smart about sales activity. “It recognizes
the value of modernizing pre-owned aircraft with a good heritage. A complete
overhaul and upgrade can offer an owner great value for money explained
Jonathan Deutsch
of JSSI. Satcom Direct’s Brian Roos
stated that with the right equipment installation owners can create an office in
the sky to support their business for reasonable costs.
Some new business models that may have shocked
twelve months ago, such as the JetSmarter membership club concept, are also
providing access through democratization of private aviation on the continent.
Although cultural differences, challenging regulations, permit challenges and
few operators currently make this more of an idea than a reality.
Atedo Peterside
of ANAP Jets is pushing the fractional ownership model with Embraer Phenom 300
aircraft based in Nigeria, but acknowledged it will take time to change the
perception of business jet usage even though it is a smart way to fly. “Are we
selling a dream or a business tool?” asked one delegate.
Lack of operators is preventing development of
the air ambulance market argued Volker
Lemke of medevac specialists FAI.
Whilst regional demand exists the lack of equipped aircraft, the challenge of
acquiring permits and the lack of medical experts on the continent means there
is a long way to go before Africa can maximize this business opportunity. Flying
over hostile zones, emergency areas and conflict areas continues to be a
challenge but Stanley Joseph of Universal Weather and Aviation Inc.
argued that being prepared, with good local partners, information and
communications, would support operations into and out of these challenging
areas.
Innovation is key in supporting the market
too. Pratt and Whitney Canada made its AfBAA event debut announcing the
implementation of four mobile support teams strategically located to assist
clients across the continent. “If we want to flourish in Africa we have to
invest in support,’ said Satheeshkumar
Kumarasingam VP Commercial Services
for P&WC. With 2165 engines currently operating on the continent it is this kind
of support that is welcomed by the industry. “The PT6 is the backbone of Africa,
and we’re delighted to hear about PWC’s further commitment to the continent,”
said Tarek Ragheb, AfBAA’s Founding Chairman.
In closing the event Chair
Alan Peaford
said that “AfBAA is not just a talking shop about ideas, the association is
beginning to make moves as reflected in this conference. We have touched on
areas that haven’t been touched before. AfBAA has made great steps.” AfBAC
2017 will be held in Cape Town in November.
See www.afbaa.org for more information.
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