The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) plans to publish a White Paper in December on the state of business aviation across the continent.
The trade body - launched in May - is also seeking to swell its membership in Africa's largely untapped business aviation market.
"Our aim is to establish business aviation as an asset that is recognised, valued and supported by governments, their respective civil aviation authorities, enterprises, entrepreneurs and business leaders throughout Africa," says AfBAA founder and chairman Tarek Ragheb.
AfBAA, whose founding members include Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft and Embraer, says it will promote business aviation as a "safe and efficient form of transportation, essential for economic development and growth".
"Africa is on the rise. It is becoming increasingly important for local and global companies who are investing in its booming industries such as agriculture, mining and oil. These entrepreneurs need mobility," Ragheb adds.
He says the continent has "poor transportation infrastructure with no trains and decent roads", adding that many regions are badly served by the commercial airlines which are characterised by poor connectivity with no direct fights. Regarding security concerns surrounding travelling within Africa, Ragheb says: "Business aviation is often the only way to get around."
In early 2013, AfBAA will begin a 12-month demographic study of Africa's business aviation sector which, it says, has an installed base of 1,308 aircraft.
"Our most pressing issue now is funding - this is vital for our future," says Ragheb. AfBAA has expanded its membership categories to include international companies interested in operating in Africa.
Source: Flight International
