IATA seeks ways to repatriate airlines’ blocked revenues from Africa

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Alexander de Juniac has said that practical solutions are needed so that airlines can reliably repatriate their blocked funds from some African countries.
Speaking in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by IATA’s vice president, Africa, Raphael Kuuchi to the 49th African Airline’s Association Annual (AFRAA) general assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, de Juniac said airlines experience varying degrees of difficulty repatriating revenues earned in Africa from their operations in Angola, Algeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
“Practical solutions are needed so that airlines can reliably repatriate their revenues. It’s a condition for doing business and providing connectivity,” he said.
The IATA chief highlighted safety, connectivity, blocked funds, air traffic management and human capital which must be addressed for aviation to deliver maximum economic and social benefits in Africa.
Aviation currently supports 6.8 million jobs and contributes $72.5 billion in gross domestic product to Africa. Over the next 20 years passenger demand is set to expand by an average of 5.7% annually.
“Africa is the region with greatest aviation potential. Over a billion people are spread across this vast continent. Aviation is uniquely placed to link Africa’s economic opportunities internally and beyond. And in doing so, aviation spreads prosperity and changes peoples’ lives for the better. That’s important for Africa. Aviation can help in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of poverty and improving both healthcare and education,” said de Juniac.

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