The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is holding the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC). The meeting will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from May 13th to 15th and is hosted by Kenya Airlines. The event focuses on the first significant changes in the aviation sector in Africa, as well as people, processes and performance.
New Focus – People, Processes, Performance
IATA announced this year's IGHC will focus on investing in the workforce to drive development, modernizing operations to streamline processes and increasing coordination and collaboration to improve performance.
“We are pleased to announce that we are a great opportunity to help you,” said Willie Walsh, executive director of IATA.
“Ground treatment is important for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the aviation industry as a whole. The keyword we will focus on at IGHC this year is “promotion.”
This center point will be explored at plenary sessions, specialized tracks and workshops covering ground operations, baggage operations, collaboration and innovation.
The reliability of hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE), real-time baggage tracking, and future ground processing regulations are some of the topics the conference is delving into. Among the keynote speakers at the event is Dr. William Samoye Ruto, president of the Republic of Kenya. Willie Walsh, director of IATA. Alan Kirabuka, CEO of Kenya Airlines.
New Hosts – Kenya, Africa
IGHC 2025 is hosted by Kenya Airlines in Nairobi, Africa. This is the first time the event has been held in Africa, indicating the transition to global inclusiveness and increased development. The latest host countries also demonstrate IATA's commitment to the Co-focus Africa Initiative, which seeks to use the aviation sector to promote greater networks and economic development in Africa. The scheme highlights key areas of safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance and distribution, sustainability and future skills.
Kenya Airways CEO Alan Kirabuka commented:
“As African aviation leader, Kenya Airlines is honored to be a pioneer of this landmark event, and the IAGHC host is in line with our mission to promote innovation, foster partnerships and showcase Africa's preparations to shape the future of the global Air Force.
His President of the Republic of Kenya, his Dr. William Samoei Rutt, who shares similar sentiments, said:
“Aviation opens up a world of economic and social development opportunities, and the greatest potential of aviation is to make a real difference in the prosperity of the people of Africa. Welcome and support of Kenya's IGHC is an example of the importance that Kenya places in the aviation sector and its expectations as a leading development in the Kenya sector.”
Recognizing the importance of driving advances in the aviation sector, his Dr. William Samoei Root extended the IGHC invitation to regulators and aviation authorities across the continent.
Do you think IGHC 2025 means helping to promote ground treatment development around the world and growth across Africa? Please let us know in the comments.
