Raphael Kuuchi takes charge as director govt, legal and industry affairs at AFRAA

January 05, 2021: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has appointed Raphael Kuuchi as director government, legal and industry affairs in consulting capacity effective January 01, 2021.

Kuuchi joins AFRAA from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) where he served as the special envoy to Africa on aero-political affairs for 2 years and IATA vice president – Africa for 4 years. He led IATA engagements with top government, regional and industry leaders in driving key initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of African aviation. He was also IATA’s focal point on the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Before joining IATA, he served as AFRAA commercial director in 2005 and later as director commercial, corporate and industry affairs till February 2014. In this capacity, Kuuchi initiated and oversaw many projects in airlines business development, commercial operations, IT and communication, liberalisation/ market access, aero-political/regulatory affairs and training across Africa.

“We are pleased to welcome back Raphael to AFRAA fraternity. He brings onboard the extensive industry experience to complement AFRAA team to better exercise our mandate to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry,” said Abdérahmane Berthé - AFRAA secretary general.

“I look forward to re-join the AFRAA team and to continue the exciting challenge to contribute to the development of air transport in Africa at a time much needed as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 crisis.” added Kuuchi.

Kuuchi holds an MBA from Henley Management College, UK and a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT) UK.