The potential of ground handling in Africa

According to "The Air Transport Industry and Aviation Ground-Handling Services in South Africa 2022" report, the cargo air transport industry has been brought to the brink of collapse during the two years of the pandemic. Its recovery, although underway, has been hampered by high fares due to the collapse of airlines which has reduced the industry’s capacity, and soaring fuel prices. Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir and first female Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (2023-2024) in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) report said, “Africa stands out as the region with the greatest potential and opportunity for aviation. The ‘Focus Africa’ initiative renews IATA’s commitment to supporting aviation on the continent. As the incoming chair of the IATA Board of Governors and the first from Africa since 1993, I look forward to ensuring that this initiative gets off to a great start and delivers benefits that are measurable.”