It promotes KSH425 billion (US$3.3 billion) of economic activity (total impact including broad supply chains, employee spending and tourism activities), with 460,000 employment (total impact of wider supply chains, employee spending and tourism activities, equivalent to 3.1% of GDP, and 5,700 employing 380,000 tonnes of transportation. The global air freight market.
A newly released “Value of Air Transport” study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed the important economic impact of Kenya aviation, with a significant KSH42.5 billion (US$3.3 billion) contributing to the country's GDP in 2023, supporting 460,000 jobs.
Against the large yet undeveloped possibilities in Africa's aviation, estimated to unleash substantial economic growth beyond Kenya's current 3.2% GDP contribution, this important data highlights the key role of the thriving aviation sector as Nairobi hosts today's 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC).
Speaking about the findings of the report, IATA Director Willie Walsh said: “The Kenya aviation sector is a key economic driver, donated to US$3.3 billion GDP, supporting 460,000 jobs, and the African aviation market is projected to increase by 3.7% over the next 20 years. We will achieve infrastructure, skilled labor and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Kenya Airlines CEO Alan Kirabuka reflected his feelings and emphasized the timely importance of the meeting in addressing these needs. “This insightful report from IATA highlights the enormous value aviation brings to the Kenya economy and the lives of people. In ground handling, Kenya's aviation sector can continue to be a powerful engine for economic growth and a key engine of connectivity across the continent,” Kirabuka said.
The conference focuses on modernization operations, investment in workforce development, and enhanced collaboration and coordination. To address these key areas and ensure the continued growth of Kenya's aviation sector, IATA outlines three key priorities, including strategic infrastructure development, and requires the continued cooperation of airport authorities and airlines. This, in line with global standards, creates efficient and cost-effective facilities that strengthen Kenya's position as a major East African hub.
Monika Mejstrikova, Head of Ground Business at IATA, expanded the need for standardization and said, “Global standards are the foundation for safe and efficient operations. Tools such as the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and IATA Safety Audit (ISAGO) are useful for ground handling.
Enhancing passenger and cargo promotion through effective implementation of electronic travel approval (ETA) systems and comprehensive digitalization strategies is then essential to increasing the appeal of Kenya's travel and competitiveness as a regional hub. Finally, investments in air workforce training through technology operations, ground operations, maintenance, digital transformation and sustainability are essential. IATA's Regional Training Centre will play an important role in building the skills needed for the future, in partnership with Kenya Airlines.
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