::: AASA/Events :::

Press Releases

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31 July 2024. [AASA AGA/PRESS RELEASE] Disruptions to critical air transport infrastructure threatens South Africa economic recovery and jobs

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7 October 2023. [AASA AGA/PRESS RELEASE] AASA elects 2023 - 2024 Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
6 October 2023. [AASA AGA/PRESS RELEASE] Southern African airlines hindered in supporting economic growth - AASA proposes remedies

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10 March 2022. [PRESS RELEASE] AASA welcomes appointment of South Africa's new Air Services Councils
15 October 2022. [AASA AGA/PRESS RELEASE] AASA elects 2022-23 Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson

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14 December 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] AASA statement on UK relaxing travel restrictions on South Africa and other Southern African nationals
26 November 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] AASA urges UK government to reconsider decision to red list several Southern African countries
28 October 2021. [AASA AGA/PRESS RELEASE] Tough medicine needed for air transport in Southern Africa
28 October 2021. [AASA AGA/PRESS RELEASE] AASA's Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson re-elected for 2021/2022
27 September 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] Aaron Munetsi appointed as AASA CEO
7 September 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] AASA urges Transport Minister to establish the Air Services Council
1 July 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] Wrenelle Stander appointed as AASA CEO
26 May 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] Chris Zweigenthal to retire as AASA CEO
29 April 2021. [PRESS RELEASE] AASA urges governments to speed up vaccinations and provide relief to air travel and tourism sector for economic recovery

Media Profile

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4 October 2024. [EVENT: ABTA Annual Conference 2024] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as a Speaker at the African Business Travel Association (ABTA) Annual Conference under the theme: African Airlines: The Future looks bright for the daring.
16 - 17 September 2024. [EVENT: Aviation Africa 2024] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as a Panelist at the 8th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition under the theme: Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth.
3 - 6 September 2024. [EVENT: Africa Tourism Leadership Forum] Gaborone, Botswana. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as a Speaker at the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum under the theme: Charting a new path forward for intra-Africa travel, tourism and investments.
21 August 2024. [EVENT: SACAA National Aviation Gender Summit] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as a Panelist at the 2024 SACAA National Aviation Gender Summit on the How are we ensuring women's participation in aviation? panel.
1 August 2024. [ARTICLE: Moneyweb] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, issued a concerned media statement about the devastating impact of breakdowns, bottlenecks, and withdrawal of critical air transport infrastructure and related ATNS services on the aviation industry.
31 July 2024. [ARTICLE: Southern Africa's Travel News] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, voiced airlines’ concerns about the rash of incidents in provision and/or maintenance of the infrastructure provided by the South African government for the aviation industry. AASA sent out a strong message in a statement saying the recent failure of infrastructure, along with other missteps by government affecting aviation, all signalled an indifference to the aviation industry and a failure by government to grasp its significant contribution to the country’s economy.
31 July 2024. [ARTICLE: Engineering News] AASA issued a concerned media statement calling on the South African Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to intervene and ensure to intervene and ensure that avoidable failures affecting air travel are resolved quickly before economic harm is done to the sector and jobs are sacrificed.in an article Airlines Association calls on Creecy to address disruptions to air travel about the impact of breakdowns, bottlenecks, and withdrawal of critical air transport infrastructure and related ATNS services on the airline industry.
25 July 2024. [EVENT: CILTSA ESG Conference] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as a Speaker at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA)'s 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Conference. The CILTSA is focusing on the challenges of ESG data and data management with its theme From Data to Decisions: Utilising ESG Data for Smarter Business Strategies.
20 July 2024. [WATCH: eNCA] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, in an eNCA interview, shared AASA's alarm at the flight delays and disruptions expected at several South African airports and the impact on the aviation industry.
2 - 3 July 2024. [EVENT: IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited to attend the Wings of Focus Africa Conference. The IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit come together as the airline industry’s most authoritative event. At the AGM, airline leaders make decisions to formalize industry positions and set IATA’s strategic agenda. The World Air Transport Summit follows with airline leaders and top experts looking in-depth at critical industry issues.
20 June 2024. [EVENT: African Business Travel Association (ABTA) Webinar Conference] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as a Speaker at the ABTA Open Industry Webinar under the theme: Future-proofing Nigeria’s Corporate Travel Industry.
10 June 2024. [ARTICLE: BusinessLive] At the IATA AGM, Aaron Munetsi, CEO of AASA, responded to IATA's report that sustainable aviation fuel is still only 0.5% of annual needs and shared that population growth, urbanisation and the pressure to promote economic activity were driving demand for air transport to, from, and within Sub-Saharan Africa, and was set to double over the next decade.
2 - 4 June 2024. [EVENT: IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit] Dubai, UAE. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited to attend the AGA and Summit.
21 - 23 May 2024. [EVENT: African Aviation Summit: Air Finance Africa Conference] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited as an Opening Speaker at the African Aviation Summit, giving the address: Revitalising the Southern African Airline Industry, and as a Panelist discussing The Way Forward: Positioning for Growth. The challenge of funding airlines in Africa – both existing carriers and start-ups – is a subject high on the agenda during the Annual African Aviation Summit: Air Finance Africa. International and African financial experts and senior officials representing leading airlines from around Africa candidly address the pressing issues at hand and, importantly, recommended practical solutions to help resolve the situation.
17 - 18 May 2024. [EVENT: SITA Borders Summit] Cape Town, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited to deliver a Welcome Address at the Summit.
12 - 15 May 2024. [EVENT: African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 12th Aviation Stakeholders Convention] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited to deliver a Goodwill Message under the theme: Beyond connecting African aviation, at the AFRAA Convention and Inaugural African Safety & Operations Summit. AFRAA, in partnership with the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), will stage the Inaugural African Safety & Operations Summit on 15 May 2024, held back-to-back with AFRAA’s Aviation Stakeholders Convention under the theme: Championing Africa aviation safety together.
22 - 26 April 2024. [EVENT: Aviation Week Africa] Lusaka, Zambia. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited to attend the AWA summit. The theme Uniting Skies: advancing collaborative synergy between Military and Civil Aviation in Africa embodies the overarching goal to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the African aviation sector and to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to drive progress.
25 March 2024. [WATCH: NEPAD Business Foundation. AASA CEO Interview] Aaron Munetsi was was interviewed at the SADC Business Council's Southern African Industrialisation Forum. The prestigious event convened top government and business leaders to shape industrial priorities and investment opportunities focused on Angola with the theme focus Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region.
20 - 22 March 2024. [EVENT: Embraer Airline Business Seminar 2024] Cape Town, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi was invited to moderate Panel IV: Diversity and Gender Equality in Aviation: Africa is taking the lead on 21 March.
18 - 20 March 2024. [EVENT: AFCAC & AFRAA Regulatory Instruments of the YD & SAATM Workshop] Nairobi, Kenya. Aaron Munetsi was invited to attend the 3-day Regulatory Instruments of the YD & SAATM workshop. The workshop aims to empower operators on their rights, obligations, and opportunities in a SAATM environment; and present all the regulatory text: Powers, Functions, and Operations of the Executing Agency, Consumer Protection Regulations, the Competition Regulations, the Dispute Settlement Mechanism, and the revised African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP); as well as encourage eligible airlines to work together to expand their intra-Africa operations.
13 - 14 March 2024. [EVENT: ERA Regional Airline Conference] Berlin, Germany. Aaron Munetsi was invited to attend the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) Conference 2024.
7 - 8 March 2024. [EVENT: BARSA Aviation Summit] Johannesburg, South Africa. The AASA team attended the 2-day BARSA Aviation Summit with this 10th Anniversary theme: Moving Forward: Embracing Accountability for a Better Future.
27 - 28 February 2024. [EVENT: South African Tourism Meetings Africa Trade Show] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi was invited to attend the South African Tourism's Meetings Africa Conference under the theme: Africa’s Success Built on Quality Connections which encapsulates the essence of the show: creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing to contribute to the continent’s success.
26 - 27 February 2024. [EVENT: SADC Business Council, Southern African Industrialisation Forum] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi was interviewed at the SADC Business Council's Southern African Industrialisation Forum. The prestigious two-day event convened top government and business leaders to shape industrial priorities and investment opportunities focused largely on Angola with the theme: Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region.
22 - 24 February 2024. [EVENT: African Global Events Industry (AGEI) Summit] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi was invited as a Speaker at the African Global Events Industry (AGEI) Summit 2024.
2 February 2024. [WORKSHOP: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Stakeholder Engagement] Johannesburg, South Africa. Tatum Kok, AASA's Aviation Analyst, attended the ACSA Stakeholder Engagement Workshop with a focus on operational performance and challenges.
30 January 2024. [ARTICLE: North Africa Post] Aaron Munetsi expresses cautious optimism in an article Intra-Africa air connectivity is making headway about the growth prospects for the southern African region.
26 January 2024. [INTERVIEW/ARTICLE: Cockpit Talk] Aaron Munetsi interviewed by Chat Ndege on the state of aviation in the Southern African region.
18 January 2024. [ARTICLE: The Loadstar] Airlines are increasing capacity between Africa and South America via Brazil, indicating a resurgence in demand for connectivity between the two regions. In an article Africa-South America air cargo traffic takes off as services resume, Aaron Munetsi, seen through a Southern African air transport industry lens, thinks BRICS is yet to fully manifest significant increases in connectivity between and among its member states.

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6 December 2023. [RADIO INTERVIEW: 702] Aaron Munetsi interviewed by Afrika Melane From the Winelands to the world: Cape Winelands Airport's R7bn upgrade underway and discusses the R7bn construction of Cape Town's second airport that is underway, and its benefits for the Western Cape region.
1 & 3 December 2023. [ARTICLES: The East African] In three articles ACSA is reinforcing hand baggage regulations to strengthen safety and compliance this festive season, ACSA urges airline passengers to adhere to hand baggage regulations and Travel light and arrive early at the airport, advises ACSA, Aaron Munetsi shared his views on the hand baggage regulations used the parallel of East Africa’s One Network Area to illustrate the potential impact of liberalisation of air transport for airlines and consumers alike.
30 November 2023. [EVENT: FIKANI Mozambique / International Tourism Expo] Maputo, Mozambique. Aaron Munetsi moderated a debate at the FIKANI Mozambique Tourism and Air Connectivity Conference.
27 November 2023. [ARTICLE: The East African] In an article Closed markets, high costs hurting Africa airlines more, Aaron Munetsi used the parallel of East Africa’s One Network Area to illustrate the potential impact of liberalisation of air transport for airlines and consumers alike.
24 November 2023. [ARTICLE: Windhoek Observer] In an article IATA: Namibia clean as a whistle, Aaron Munetsi notes challenges faced by the industry, such as operating costs, which in some cases account for as much as 40%, and a critical shortage of spare parts for aircraft, forcing some airlines to ground aircrafts for safety precautions.
19 - 21 November 2023. [EVENT: AFRAA 55th AGA] Kampala, Uganda. Aaron Munetsi was a Speaker at the 55th AFRAA AGA and Summit. The AGA was hosted by Uganda Airlines at the patronage of the Government of Uganda under the theme, Strides to Transform Aviation for Development.
13 - 16 November 2023. [EVENT: AFCAC 24th Anniversary of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD)] Abuja, Nigeria. Aaron Munetsi addressed the event under the theme Africa Wants to Fly. He urged commitment and action to realise the benefits of a better connected and closely integrated Africa.
10 November 2023. [INTERVIEW/WATCH: CNBC Africa] Airlines body roots for faster implementation of SAATM. Proper implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is set to unlock huge economic opportunities for airlines in Africa. CNBC Africa spoke to Aaron Munetsi.
9 - 10 November 2023. [EVENT: Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AWIEF) Forum] Kigali, Rwanda. Aaron Munetsi addressed the AWIEF event in . An event that brings together the African entrepreneurial ecosystem for impactful dialogue, an awards ceremony, a multi-sector exhibition and networking opportunities.
8 - 9 November 2023. [EVENT: IATA Air Cargo Day Africa] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi was in attendance at the IATA Air Cargo Day Africa event in Johannesburg, hosted by Swissport and in partnership with the AASA. This was the first of IATA cargo events in Africa post-Covid which brought together air cargo industry leaders and decision-makers, representing airlines, airports, government agencies, Ground Handling Service Providers, Shippers, Freight forwarders, regional associations, and other related stakeholders from Africa, and globally.
25 - 26 October 2023. [EVENT: AFCAC SAATM Roadshow: Angola] Luanda, Angola. Aaron Munetsi attended AFCAC's SAATM Roadshow.
22 October 2023. [EVENT: Summer Tourism Readiness Dialogue] Cape Town, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi attended the Summer Readiness Dialogue. The Western Cape Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, hosted her second annual ‘Summer Tourism Readiness Dialogue’ with key stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality sector in the province. The objective of the dialogue was to solidify plans for the success of the upcoming summer tourism season in the Western Cape that is expected to be record-breaking.
12 October 2023. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: North Africa Post] African govt’s to open aviation markets to address poor intra-African air connectivity.
12 October 2023. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Centre for Aviation] AASA proposes measures to strengthen infra-Africa connectivity.
11 October 2023. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Southern Africa's Travel News] AASA calls for visa-free travel in Africa.
9 October 2023. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Engineering News] Southern African airlines body elects its leadership for next year.
9 October 2023. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: New ERA] Regional airlines turbulent on economic growth.
8 October 2023. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: New ERA] Time to address ‘embarrassingly low’ intra-African air connectivity, airline body chief says.
19 September 2023. [ARTICLE: Air Transport World / Aviation Week Network] In an article by Victoria Moores Africa signals post-pandemic shift away from widebodies, Aaron Munetsi is quoted as saying there is no one-size-fits-all solution for Africa as the continent includes many different markets and geographies. Africa is a continent of 55 countries and 5 regional economic communities, each with its own peculiarities. The aviation industry in each region has developed to different degrees.
6 - 8 September 2023. [EVENT: TBCSA Leadership Conference] Sun City, South Africa. Vees Lochan, AASA COO, attended the 2023 Tourism Business Council of South Africa Leadership Conference.
20 - 21 June 2023. [EVENT: IATA Focus Africa Conference] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Aaron Munetsi scheduled as a Speaker to address aviation's contribution to Africa's development at the IATA Focus Africa Conference.
14 - 16 June 2023. [EVENT: AviaDev Africa 2023 Conference] Nairobi, Kenya. Aaron Munetsi invited to attend AviaDev Africa as a Moderator for Thursday 15 June Plenary Session (10:45 - 11:45) discussing the topic Strategizing for Success: How Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have helped airlines adapt their strategies to deliver new routes and revenue streams during and after the pandemic. The Session will address the question: How have the OEMs supported their customers to adapt their strategy to opened new routes and revenue streams during and since the pandemic?
7 - 8 June 2023. [EVENT: Tourism Investment Forum Africa: Forging Global Partnerships for Inclusive Local Economic Development through Sustainable Investment] Upington, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi scheduled as a moderator at the Tourism Investment Forum Africa moderating Panel session 4 Access, Connectivity and Mobility Opportunities: Creating conditions for a successful African transport sector to drive intra-Africa trade and tourism through infrastructure investments.
4 - 6 June 2023. [EVENT: IATA AGM & World Air Transport Summit] Istanbul, Turkey. Aaron Munetsi attended the IATA 79th AGM and World Air Transport Summit where it was announced that AFCAC and AASA have joined forces with IATA on its Focus Africa Initiative.
10 - 12 May 2023. [WORKSHOP: EASA EU-CORSIA Africa & Caribbean Regional Workshop] Johannesburg, South Africa. Tatum Kok, AASA Aviation Analyst, attended the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) EU-CORSIA Africa-Caribbean Project Regional Workshop: CORSIA Implementation after ICAO 41st AGM in Johannesburg. The Workshop addressed capacity building for CO2 mitigation from international aviation In Africa and the Caribbean regions.
9 - 10 May 2023. [EVENT: Smart Transportation Virtual Conference 2023] Aaron Munetsi invited to speak at the Smart Transportation Virtual Conference about Intra Africa travel in a Smart Approach.
7 - 9 May 2023. [EVENT: African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 11th Aviation Stakeholders Convention] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Aaron Munetsi attended AFRAA's 11th Aviation Stakeholders Convention. As a Panelist, he addresses the theme of the Convention Changing the African Aviation Narrative under the topic Roadmap to Fast-Track the Implementation of SAATM.
25 April 2023. [EVENT: Aspen Institute UK Online ZOOM Webinar] Aaron Munetsi invited to participate on the panel to discuss The Future of air Travel: flying green or staying grounded? Listen to a podcast of the webinar.
3 April 2023. [EVENT: World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Conference] Cape Town, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi invited as a Speaker at the WTM Africa Conference (Travel & Tourism Expo South Africa) - a part of Africa Travel Week - to share his views on the African Tourism Investment Summit's Initiatives to liberalise civil aviation and boost intra-regional travel and paving the way for the symbiotic regional cooperation session.
2 April 2023. [RADIO INTERVIEW: CapeTalk/702] Aaron Munetsi interviewed by Crystal Orderson and answers the question What are the reasons for the high cost of air travel in the SADC region over the Easter weekend.
29 March 2023. [WATCH: SABC News / Africa's Travel Indaba 2023] Aaron Munetsi invited as a Panelist to the launch of this year's Africa Travel Indaba in Durban. Watch as he shares in the discussion on calls for free travel across Africa to stimulate tourism and trade.
29 March 2023. [MEDIA STATEMENT: South African Tourism Ministry] Aaron Munetsi attended the launch of Africa's Travel Indaba 2023: towards Africa's tourism sector growth! He was an industry representative and panelist discussing the contribution of Africa's Travel Indaba to the tourism sectors recovery.
25 February - 3 March 2023. [EVENT: ACI AFRICA] Kigali, Rwanda. Aaron Munetsi invited as a Speaker at the Board Meeting of the 69th ACI AFRICA Board & Committee Meetings, Regional Conference and Exhibition.
23 February 2023. [FORUM: South African Department of Tourism - National Tourism Stakeholder Forum (NTSF)]. Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi was invited to represent the industry, and presented South Africa's Airlift/Aviation Capacity and Future Outlook at NTSF in Johannesburg. The platform is vital for knowledge and information sharing in order to facilitate better planning and decision making to advance national tourism growth and recovery objectives as espoused in the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) and the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) respectively.
16 February 2023. [FORUM: Aerospace African] Casablanca, Morocco. Aaron Munetsi has been invited as a Speaker at the inaugural Aerospace African Forum: Sustainable Mobility - the first Aerospace and African 24h D to D Forum.
14 February 2023. [RADIO INTERVIEW: POWER 98.7 FM] Power Talk / Tourism Tuesdays Aaron Munetsi is interviewed by Lerato Mbele to discuss aviation and the tourism market in Africa wrapped around the topic: We are Joined.
16 January 2023. [ARTICLE: CH-Aviation News] Protectionism of state carriers hinder SAATM progress - AASA CEO: Tanzania has announced it will defer joining the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in the next five years. Aaron Munetsi is quoted as saying it is clear that SAATM is still some way from becoming a reality as protectionism of state carriers continues.

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28 December 2022. [MEDIA STATEMENT: South African Tourism Ministry] Systems in place to resolve flight delays at OR Tambo, says Minister Sisulu South African Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu issued a statement regarding the delays in flights at OR Tambo International Airport due to fuel challenges. Minister Sisulu engaged Aaron Munetsi to notify Members and provide reassurance that ACSA was working to resolve the problems.
20 December 2022. [INTERVIEW: Business Insider] Airline Association on 2022 and the outlook for 2023: ‘We will approach the year with caution, hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst’. In an interview with Business Report on 2022 and the outlook for 2023, Munetsi said that as South Africa was so brutally reminded with Covid-19 and then Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “we’re not always good at accurately reading the tea-leaves.” Going into the new year, he said AASA would like to see the recovery of air traffic to pre-pandemic levels and a return to profitability.
11 - 13 December 2022. [EVENT: AFRAA 54th AGA - Acing the Roadmap to Sustainable African Aviation] Dakar, Senegal. Aaron Munetsi served as a panelist at AFRAA's 54th AGA discussing Intra-African Connectivity: Roadmap to make SAATM a Reality forum.
2 December 2022. [EVENT: African Union - SAATM Continental Workshop] Accra, Ghana. Aaron Munetsi presented his assessment of the opportunities and challenges facing African airlines to implement SAATM at the AU's Continental Workshop on SAATM Regulatory Instruments.
17 November 2022. [RADIO INTERVIEW: Namibia Aviation & Connectivity Forum] The Business Report on Nova 103 Ep 50] AASA CEO interviewed at the Namibia Aviation & Connectivity Forum - In this episode's Spotlight David Bishop speaks to Aaron Munetsi.
5 November 2022. [EVENT/ARTICLE: New Telegraph, Nigeria] In a keynote address at the Aviators Africa Conference and Tower Awards, Aaron Munesti stressed the urgency of experts tasking governments and operators to focus more on business.
5 November 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Monitor Uganda] Airlines body sets steep targets amid challenges.
1 November 2022. [ARTICLE: Business Insider] SA airports promise working travelators, escalators, and lifts for the festive season - Aaron Munetsi is quoted: "ACSA has been transparent with us. They've told us that they are in the process of revamping some of their airports, especially OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International, to ensure they are able to handle the traffic they are anticipating in the next three to four months [including] the festive season, which is obviously our peak period..."
26 October 2022. [ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] Airlines still in the dark on SARS pass - AASA calls on SARS to engage with the aviation industry on its envisaged Traveller Pass. the industry needs a clear understanding of its intended purpose and to discuss the practicalities of its implementation and, crucially, any associated cost and legal implications, especially if airlines are to be involved with the collection, storage and sharing of traveller data with SARS. The industry also needs clarification on the implications of the pass for airlines and their customers travelling to and from the other Southern African Customs Union or SADC member states.
24 - 26 October 2022. [EVENT: 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2022 hosted by Botswana Tourism] Gaborone, Botswana. Aaron Munetsi invited as the Moderator for the Ministerial and Executives Talk: Ensuring Affordable Regional Air Connectivity – Advocating for African countries to unblock open skies bottlenecks.
20 - 22 October 2022. [EVENT/ARTICLE: Blueprint.ng] Stakeholders seek reorganisation of Africa’s aviation - in a keynote address at the Aviators Africa Conference and Tower Awards., Aaron Munesti highlighted the imperative and the urgency of resetting the African aviation industry post the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than restarting it.
19 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: cape{town}etc.] Concerns about jet fuel supply might dampen holiday spirits - AASA raises concern the strike may result in a jet fuel shortage.
18 October 2022. [AASA AGA/WATCH: eNCA] More jet fuel shortages feared and visas weigh down airlines - Aaron Munetsi says AASA Members are bracing themselves for fuel shortages if the strike continues for much longer.
18 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Business Tech] Worries over jet fuel supply and flights in South Africa as festive season approaches.
17 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Business Report] Aviation sector’s sustainability remains under threat - AASA.
17 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: EngineeringNews.com] Dr Ian Cruickshank moderated a panel of the world's top 3 manufacturers of commercial airliners at the AASA AGA - Aerospace majors united on need to cut aviation carbon emissions.
16 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Fin24.com] Converting SA to full e-visa system tripped up by huge backlog, tech challenges, says Sisulu.
15 October 2022. [AASA AGA/WATCH: eNCA] 52nd AASA AGA and Airlines Summit: Carriers want to spread their wings - Jet fuel shortages and the Transnet strike topped the agenda at an Airlines Summit in the Western Cape. The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) held its 52nd Annual General Assembly. eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports at the AGA.
14 October 2022. [AASA AGA/WATCH: eNCA] 52nd AASA AGA and Airlines Summit: Turbulent times aviation industry - Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Aaron Munetsi and industry leaders address challenges in the industry at the AGA.
14 October 2022. [AASA AGA/SA Tourism SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS] South African Minister of Tourism addresses the 52nd AASA AGA on developments in the tourism industry.
14 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Business Report] Airlines Association of Southern Africa adds its concern over ongoing Transnet strike.
14 October 2022. [AASA AGA/ARTICLE: Fin24.com] SA airports may face new fuel crunch if Transnet strike drags on, aviation leader warns.
2 October 2022. [ARTICLE: Sunday Times, Business Times] SA braces for airline seat shortages over festive season.
30 September 2022. [ARTICLE: Airspace Africa] AASA warns of Disruptions and Cancellations Amid Jet fuel crisis at Cape Town airport.
28 September 2022. ARTICLE: EngineeringNews.com] AASA begs govt to waive airport fees as jet fuel rations at Cape Town squeezes airlines.
28 September 2022. [RADIO INTERVIEW: SAfm] Stephen Grootes interviews AASA's spokesperson, Linden Birns, as AASA takes note with grave concern of the imposition of jet fuel rations at Cape Town International Airport.
23 September 2022. [PODCAST/INTERVIEW: VoyagesAfriq] Airlines Association of Southern Africa gears up for 52nd AGA - in this interview, Aaron Munetsi promotes the AGA and this year's theme: My African Dream. The AGA provides a unique platform for aviation industry stakeholders to share their aspirations for the industry, beyond the horizon of full recovery from the pandemic, and encourage the realization of our collective dream for a dynamic, resilient, and sustainable aviation industry.
16 September 2022. [INTERVIEW: Engineering News] In this interview, Aaron Munetsi, shares his views on the resilience of the SADC aviation industry, and the vital role air transport plays as the prime enabler and catalyst for stimulating intra-African trade, commerce and tourism: Industry perseveres despite turbulent period.
8 September 2022. [PODCAST: AviaDev Insight Interview] A look back on Aaron Munetsi’s first year at AASA and a sneak preview of the upcoming AASA AGA. Jon Howell, Founder/MD of AviaDev, interviews Aaron Munetsi and Tatum Kok, AASA's Aviation Analyst. They take a look back at Aaron's first year as CEO and provide a sneak preview of the upcoming AASA AGA being held from 13 to 16 October at the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa.
12 August 2022. [RADIO INTERVIEW: Power FM 98.7] Aaron Munetsi, was interviewed by Sonto Ndlovu for the #POWERTalk series about South African Tourism and Trade's 2021 tourism recovery plan and AASA's role in the tourism and aviation sectors, as well as the recent price increase in flights and its impact on the tourism sector.
6 August 2022. [SA GOVERNMENT MEETING: SA Minister of Tourism & AASA CEO] SA aviation sector pays higher charges and faces more stringent regulations than sister countries. Aaron Munetsi, met with SA Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, to outline several problems facing the country's aviation sector amid reports of airline seat shortages and the rising cost of flights, which is hampering the tourism sector's recovery from the 2020 pandemic.
26 July 2022. [VIRTUAL MEETING: AASA Environmental Committee] AASA's Environmental Committee hosted a Virtual Meeting at 10am with Dr Ian Cruickshank.
12 - 14 July 2022. [VIRTUAL MEETING: US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) East and Southern Africa Airspace Management Virtual Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) and Virtual Business Briefing] Aaron Munetsi, participated in the USTDA Virtual RTM, and Virtual Business Briefing events hosted to expose sub-Saharan Africa’s public and private sector leaders to U.S. aviation best practices, solutions, and services.
1 July 2022. [INTERVIEW: Air Transport News (ATN)] In this interview Aaron Munetsi shares his views on AASA's challenges and priorities over the next 3 years, his vision as CEO, and the importance of SAATM and AfCFTA in achieving a sustainable African and SADC aviation industry.
29 June - 1 July 2022. [EVENT: AviaDev Africa 2022] Cape Town, South Africa. AASA in attendance representing Members at the AviaDev Africa 2022 conference.
25 June 2022. [PODCAST: iXplore Africa with host Bonolo Ntsime] Interview with Aaron Munetsi provides insight and shares his views on Intra-African Travel, Air Transport and Tourism.
13 to 15 June 2022. [EVENT/ADDRESS: African Aviation Summit / MRO Africa] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi gives the Welcome Address on 14 June at the African Aviation 2022 Conference - MRO Africa.
8 to 10 June 2022. [SPEAKER: African Aviation Summit / Air Finance Africa] Aaron Munetsi, a Speaker at the African Aviation Summit - Air Finance Africa in Johannesburg, shared his insights about the Prospects for Airline Co-Operation and Consolidation in Southern Africa.
6 June 2022. [INTERVIEW: Nomad Africa magazine] In this interview, Aaron Munetsi, shares his views on AASA's function and role in the SADC aviation industry: professionalism and access to contacts are essential to overcoming aviation challenges.
3 June 2022. [INTERVIEW/WATCH: Business Day TV] Comair suspension: Airlines Association says members not deliberately hiking prices. Aaron Munetsi, says Members are not deliberately hiking ticket prices in the wake of the Comair grounding.
22 April 2022. [PANEL DISCUSSION: South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), National Aviation Conference 2022] Cleared for Take-off – The future outlook of aviation in South Africa. AASA's COO, Vivendra Lochan, participated in a panel discussion regarding how the local aviation industry is preparing to resume operations post the COVID-19 pandemic.
11 March 2022. [RADIO 702 INTERVIEW: Afternoon Drive with John Perlman] Guest: Aaron Munetsi | CEO at Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA). New appointments to the (air services) council will now have to work through a 12-month-long backlog of applications for new routes.
2 March 2022. [PANEL DISCUSSION: South African Tourism, Meetings Africa, BONDay Educational Session 4] Challenges faced by the business events industry due to airlift in Africa. Aaron Munetsi participated in a panel discussion regarding the challenges faced by the business events industry.
1 March 2022. [INTERVIEW/WATCH: Tourism Update Online] What the southern African airline industry needs right now. Aaron Munetsi shares his insights on the airline industry's needs in the Southern African region.
14 February 2022. [INTERVIEW/WATCH: Business Day TV] Airline industry starts to recover from Covid-19. Aaron Munetsi comments on the slow recovery from the pandemic-related travel bans in the Southern African airline industry.
10 February 2022. [INTERVIEW: Business Insider] SA airlines haven’t been able to get new routes for almost a year – govt says wait is almost over. Aaron Munetsi comments on the dormant South African licensing councils and it's effect on the industry.
3 February 2022. [INTERVIEW/WATCH: CNBC Africa] Realising a pan-African airline. Aaron Munetsi provides insight and comments on the developments of a pan-African airline.
10 January 2022. [ARTICLE: AeroTime Hub] Turning the tide: How policy change is reshaping African air services. Aaron Munetsi supports the AU’s SAATM and AfCFTA projects to increase intra-African connectivity for African airlines, enhancing intra-African trade, and regional integration between African countries for the ease of movement of resources, capital and passengers.

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