Page 9 - LUA May June 2024 for Website

Plan) and the African Development Bank's
Infrastructure Investment Programme aim
to address these issues through targeted
investments, capacity building, and
regulatory harmonisation.
As the aviation industry continues
to grow, addressing its environmental
footprint through the adoption of
We need to enhance sustainable practices and technologies has
our infrastructural also become increasingly important.
African airlines are engaging in a
capabilities in terms range of attainable initiatives to mitigate
of multimodality, an the environmental impact of aviation.
area where we as a These efforts encompass the adoption of
newer, fuel-efficient aircraft, recycling
continent are lagging practices, utilisation of new technologies,
behind. development of systems, strategic route
and schedule planning, and optimising
PETER MUSOLA flight paths to minimise fuel consumption.
KENYA AIRWAYS CARGO
Some recent examples include Ethiopian
Airlines' order of Boeing 777-9 jets. The
During the recent Flower Logistics airlines are also expanding their capacity.
Africa and Perishable Logistics Africa Ethiopian Cargo has recently announced
events organised by Logistics Update the addition of two freighter destinations
Africa in Nairobi, Caleb Kositany, to its global network. The airline will
Airlines Group and the entire African Chairman of the Board of Kenya Airports offer twice-weekly air cargo service to
economy. We have implemented high- Authority, emphasised the expansion and from Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
end technologies in the infrastructure plans for various airports. These plans These are Ethiopian Cargo’s fifth and
that revolutionise the way goods encompass major airports such as sixth destinations in India, following New
are transported and delivered in the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.
e-commerce industry in Africa. Through (JKIA), Kisumu International Airport, Meanwhile, Kenya Airways Cargo has
this facility, Ethiopian Airlines paves the Eldoret International Airport, and Moi put its second Boeing 737-800 freighter
way for development of e-commerce International Airport. Key among these into service, aiming to capitalise on the
services in Ethiopia and the African developments are the construction of increased capacity to meet the growing
continent. Built on 15,000 square meters of a new terminal building at JKIA, the sea-air demand to West Africa.
area, the facility boasts a capacity to handle expansion of cargo facilities, and the As Africa continues its journey toward
150,000 tons annually,” says, Mesfin Tasew, lengthening of Eldoret's runway. economic growth and regional integration,
CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group. IATA has introduced the "Focus Africa" the aviation and air cargo industry will
“Swissport will keep making initiative with the objective of bolstering play a pivotal role in unlocking the
investments to improve our capacity to the aviation sector's impact on the continent's vast potential. By addressing
handle cargo with temperature control. economic and social advancement of the infrastructural deficiencies, harmonising
Swissport Kenya, one of our worldwide African continent. This initiative strives regulations, and fostering collaboration
centers of excellence, has improved its to unite resources from public and private among stakeholders, African nations can
perishable center by adding 750 square stakeholders to achieve its goals. leverage the power of air connectivity to
meters of connected cold warehouses that “Focus Africa" outlines six key areas facilitate trade, attract investment, and
provide direct access from the airside to for advancement: safety, infrastructure, promote sustainable development.
the hub of perishables. There is enough connectivity, finance & distribution, The future of African aviation and air
for up to 110 airplane pallets in the cold sustainability, and skilled workforce cargo is one of immense promise, where
warehouse. Apart from the floral corridor, development. The effective implementation efficient logistics solutions, technological
we've also constructed a vacuum chiller. of SAATM will play a crucial role in advancements, and sustainable practices
This enhances our capacity to guarantee driving progress across these fronts, converge to drive economic prosperity
the preservation of the cold chain and the especially in addressing challenges to and foster greater regional integration. As
safeguarding of the produce's integrity. improve connectivity within the continent. the world looks to Africa as an emerging
Additionally, we are modernising our Ensuring the highest levels of safety market, the skies above the continent will
facilities in Dar es Salaam, where Swissport and security is paramount for the aviation be a vital gateway, connecting businesses,
operates the world's largest facility for the industry. Initiatives such as the ICAO's people, and cultures, and propelling
export of fresh meat production,” says, Comprehensive Regional Implementation Africa toward a brighter and more
Ndegwa of Swissport Kenya. Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI prosperous future.

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