The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) plans to launch an aircraft census in order to get a better understanding of requirements in the continent.
"The potential in Africa is huge, but there are challenges as well," says Rady Fahmy, the association's executive director. "These include the diverse culture and regulations, a misunderstanding of the financing and insurance, and a shortage of infrastructure such as airports and maintenance bases."
He estimates there are around 1,200 private aircraft - ranging from small turboprops to large business jets - in Africa. With more information about them and their operators via a census, it will be easier for the AfBAA to come up with effective ways to promote the industry.
"There is still a long way to go, but this will be a good start and help us to engage the governments and operators even better," says Fahmy.
The AfBAA has also announced that Dubai's Hadid International Services has been selected as its 19th and penultimate founding member. It hopes to select the final member by end-2012.
Source: Flight Daily News
