The African Airlines Association will deliver a keynote market update on the latest developments with the Single African Air Transport Market agreement and a wider assessment on the strength of the African aviation market. The session will explore some of the key benefits of liberalisation and free trade resulting from greater African air market intra-connectivity.

Almost 25 years since the original Yamoussoukro Decision was heralded as a milestone in the creation of open skies across Africa and the wait for a single African sky goes on. With factionalism and the politics of self-interest continuing to constrain the market’s true growth potential – GHI invites a panel of industry experts to table an agenda for change. The panel will explore the tangible steps to boosting collaboration and convincing policy makers to abandon partisan air transport policies in favour of liberalisation. What might a pan African approach mean for reducing ticket costs and making flying more affordable in a region that accounts for just 2% of global traffic despite being home to nearly 20% of the world’s population?

An exclusive case study that will detail the dynamic service improvements and innovations being rolled out on the ramp under a joint venture partnership between Colossal of South Africa and Belgium-based, Aviapartner. From GSE fleet strategies to digital advances, the session will explore how the two operators have worked as one to bring best-in-class techniques to a customer base including South African African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates.

From staying alert to danger under a blistering Saharan sun to accident blindspots when the OTP pressure is on – what are some of the most common ramp safety challenges facing frontline staff across the continent? GHI invites station leadership teams/operators to share their stories of near misses, accidents and training techniques that are helping them create high safety cultures that reduce ground damage and employee injuries. The session will explore the role of Safety Management Systems, safety boosting GSE innovations and the responsibility of leaders in reducing accident risks.

This session will invite a leading African airline to reveal how they are harnessing more dynamic ground services partnerships that outperform KPIs. Under discussion will be the design of more expansive service level agreements that incentivise innovation and reward excellence rather than excessively penalise underperformance. How are carriers looking to bring handlers onboard with their bids to become more sustainable operators and driving the adoption of digital tools during the check-in and turnaround process?

This session will reveal how the team at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have worked collaboratively with their ground service providers to optimise GSE and traffic movements during peak periods. What benefits has a more coordinated approach to tackling congestion on the ramp had on safety, OTP and passenger satisfaction. What role have digital tools played in mapping GSE movements and eliminating excess equipment capacity?

Enthusiasm is high for adopting more electric powered pushbacks, passenger steps and ground power units at stations across the continent. But, how do African ground handlers balance their low carbon ambitions with constraints in GSE investment capital, lackustre charging infrastructure on the ground and the inherent instability of five year ground service agreements? This session invites leading suppliers/operators to offer practical tips on achieving electrification within a constrained business environment. Topics for debate will include opportunities for conversions of diesel units to electric, hybrid equipment solutions, the potential of solar power and airport-led GSE pooling.

This workshop will explore the potential of using safety audits in establishing a high-performance safety culture at ground handling stations and enshrining best practice in standard operating procedures. Participants will receive a free certificate of participation.

After recently celebrating its 10th birthday, Jambojet is defying the odds by delivering sustained success of the low cost carrier model in Africa. Discover how the carrier evolved its ground handling strategy to support excellence and reliable service levels for passengers at the most competitive price point. Are we on the brink of an LCC boom in Africa and how might the entire supply chain benefit from abandoning protectionist policies that are preventing the model from reaching its full potential across the continent.

Are ground handlers and airlines locked in a doom spiral on cost when it comes to negotiating ground handling contracts? What is the real, long term cost of $500 a turn for a widebody aircraft when it comes to service quality, reliability, innovation and safety? GHI invites leading ground handlers and airlines in the region to discuss the path to more equitable service level agreements that have brought benefits for both parties and the passengers we all serve. What’s the blueprint for building more dynamic partnerships between airlines and GSPs in Africa?

GHI invites technology leaders to deliver their assessment on the top digital innovations that African ground handling can’t afford to ignore. From embracing automation and digital tools for passenger check-in to telematics and turnaround optimisation software to streamline operations out on the ramp – what are the smartest IT investments for those wanting to establish a clear KPI advantage in quality, safety and cost of ground services and fast?

A panel of leading operators will share their stories of how they are recruiting, training and retaining the next generation of business leaders in the operations. What do young people think of a career in aviation and are we competing effectively with other sectors for the top talent? Once we have quality people then what can we do in a cash constrained environment to keep hold of them?

This session will explore how ground handlers, airports and airlines could improve alignment and working relationships to eliminate cost inefficiencies in the ground handling supply chain in Africa. How do we optimise turnaround activity at airports so that all stakeholders benefit from cost efficiencies? This presentation will explore how better coordination can bring air ticket prices down and drive more aircraft movements for all across African skies.

A special focus on the opportunities for boosting air traffic connectivity between West and East Africa. Why is it often a dog’s leg route requiring a connection and significant additional expense when you want to fly coast-to coast on the African content. How is this holding the entire market back and what can we do to boost connectivity and reduce cost within the continent?

This session will investigate the opportunities for African aviation operators to capture and enhance cargo capacity with particularly focus on the growing e-commerce segment. What are the unique strengths of the African cargo industry? And amid a global boom in next-day deliveries via online retailers, how are ground handlers looking to reconfigure their operations to take advantage of the rise of e-commerce by air?

This interactive workshop will invite delegates to shape a blueprint for building more productive partnerships across the supply chain. What are the levers for moving contracts with airlines from being centered on cost to long-term value? How do we realise the hidden potential of ground handling to optimise passenger journeys and drive the rollout of sustainable equipment? This session is an excellent chance to shape the industry agenda and make new connections with aviation colleagues.