About Membership 

AASA is one of the regional airline associations recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), focusing on southern African and Indian Ocean islands regions.

AASA supports IATA's global initiatives as they impact the regional agenda and priorities of AASA's members, participating in local, regional, continental Africa and global IATA meetings and forums.

Any airline operating air services in the carriage of passengers and/or cargo, or offering related aviation services in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region (and meets the eligibility criteria), may apply for AASA membership as an airline or associate member.

Eligibility Criteria

Airline Members

Airline Members being members who carry on business as operators of scheduled air transport services within an area of Africa south of the Equator, including the Indian Ocean islands and all SADC member states.

Associate Members

Associated Members being members who are partners, service providers or organisations predominantly engaged in activities which support and add value to the operations of airline members within an area of Africa south of the Equator, including the Indian Ocean islands and all SADC member states. 

 Membership 

Benefits of Membership

• AASA exists to serve its members. AASA's primary objective is to represent its members on industry matters, where a single voice representing its members on issues of common interest, enables airline members to concentrate on their core business. Airline members are welcome and encouraged to engage with AASA regarding any issues they wish to contribute.
• AASA represents its airline members at Chief Executive level and works closely with their representatives in specific areas of the airline business. Associate members are represented at Chief Executive or Senior Executive level.
• One of AASA’s priorities is to ensure the interests of the airline industry are promoted, ensuring fair and workable legislative and regulatory solutions, as well as ensuring cost savings in respect of charges, taxes and levies to benefit the industry as a whole. Through its participation in the respective user charges forums, AASA has contributed to positive determinations for the industry in respect of reduced charges for the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the South African Weather Service (SAWS), and Consumer Price Index (CPI)-related increases for Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). 

International Recognition

• AASA is one of the regional airline associations recognised by IATA, focusing on the southern African region and the Indian Ocean islands. AASA supports IATA's global initiatives as they impact the regional agenda and priorities of AASA's members, participating in local, regional, continental Africa and global IATA meetings and forums. 
• AASA also represents its members at relevant International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forums, and attended the 39th Triennial ICAO Assembly in 2016, as well as, the ICAO World Aviation Forum 2016. Through this representation, AASA has the opportunity to present the views of represented airlines in State Forums, and to motivate the inclusion of its represented airlines in the States’ positions on policy and regulatory matters.  
• AASA is always welcomed at international conferences and forums as the representative voice of the airline industry in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, and is often requested to make keynote addresses or participate in panel discussions at such events.

Targeting key industry priorities

AASA has an extensive agenda impacting virtually all organisations and businesses operating in the airline industry. 

AASA takes a leadership role in driving many of these initiatives and works closely with IATA, airlines and other industry bodies to achieve the mandates. 

Key industry priorities including the following:

• Service Providers: ACSA, ATNS, SAWS, and SACAA tariff determinations are undertaken through extensive consultation with the service provider, with the final decision being taken by the regulator of these respective bodies, and the approval of the responsible Ministers. AASA is directly involved in these consultations, and prepares input with the support of industry associations and airlines, on behalf of the industry in response to  proposals presented, with the objective of reaching a consensus position to ensure the final product serves the interests of all parties.
• Environment: AASA supports the ICAO and IATA-driven initiatives to reduce the carbon footprints and impact of aviation on the environment, as one of the key international, regional and local priorities. Internationally, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Agreement as signed by ICAO States at the 38th ICAO Assembly is supported, and as an example, in respect of the South African domestic requirements, where Carbon Taxes are being proposed, AASA consults with the respective government departments of Transport, Treasury, and Environmental Affairs to reach a solution which advocates the implementation of the international carbon offsetting solution for aviation in South Africa, as opposed to a dedicated local or regional solution.
• Legislation, Regulations and Policy: AASA monitors and provides comment on all proposed legislation, regulations and policies impacting the aviation industry. AASA invites and receives comments from its members to ensure their views and input is included in response to respective proposals. AASA is also involved in all forums where discussions are held to debate the merits of the proposals, and to seek beneficial and workable amendments to legislation, regulations and policy, examples include the following:
  • Consumer Protection Act
  • Civil Aviation Act
  • National Civil Aviation Policy
  • National Airport Development Plan
  • National Airspace Plan
  • Civil Aviation Regulations
• Safety and Security: AASA's Standing Committee on Safety provides an important forum for dealing with safety matters in the airline industry. AASA represents its members at security forums to ensure their voices are heard and interests are served, which supports the harmonisation of security measures to improve security processes.
• Operations: An Operations Committee, involving interested members has been convened to deal with flight operations and regulatory matters requiring resolution between the airline industry and its respective Aviation Authorities. AASA represents the airline industry at the IATA and ICAO forums where such matters are discussed.  
• Regional Representation: AASA is the appointed regional airline association representing airline interests on the SADC Civil Aviation Committee. The priorities of this committee include driving the liberalisation process, the establishment of the SADC Aviation Safety Organisation, and harmonisation of regulations across the region.
• Improved Passenger Processes: Through its direct involvement in Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), AASA supports the implementation of the IATA Fast Travel Program.
• Training: AASA sponsors training programs for its members in promoting skills development and transformation initiatives.

AASA has a mandate to provide these services to all its airline members, and all airlines are encouraged to request AASA's assistance and intervention in addressing any industry issues. 

AASA values the support and engagement of its members in the work it undertakes, and the results accomplished.