Luanda: Angola is set to host the 57th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) next year, as revealed by a statement from the national air carrier, TAAG. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the country, which will also see TAAG assuming the rotating presidency of AFRAA in 2025, with Nelson de Oliveira, president of the Executive Committee, at the helm.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the decision follows TAAG’s participation in the 56th Annual General Assembly held in Cairo, Egypt, from the 17th to the 19th of this month. This event attracted more than 500 high-level delegates from the aviation sector spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. The upcoming assembly in Angola is expected to be a landmark event, showcasing the nation’s advancements in infrastructure, tourism, commerce, and transport, while also promoting strategic partnerships to attract new investments.
The statement underscores Angola’s rising prominence within the Afr
ican and global aviation landscape, enhancing its position as a strategic regional hub. Additionally, the event will serve as an opportunity to promote the ‘Angola Brand’, reinforce Luanda’s role as a regional mobility platform, and highlight the António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) in Bom Jesus, 40 kilometers from Luanda’s city center.
The recent summit in Egypt included panel discussions on key topics relevant to commercial aviation, with spaces for networking, bilateral meetings, and exhibitions of products, services, and new technologies. This provided a valuable platform for companies in the sector to present their services and explore synergies with strategic partners.
The Angolan delegation at the Cairo event, led by António dos Santos Domingos, president of the Board of Directors of TAAG, emphasized Angola’s and the national carrier’s strengths as organizers of the next year’s summit. The AFRAA Annual General Assembly is regarded as the premier African aviation forum, bringing togeth
er leaders, experts, and decision-makers to address the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Participants in the assembly include airline presidents and CEOs, representatives from organizations such as ICAO, IATA, and AFCAC, civil aviation authorities, airport operators, air navigation service providers, aircraft manufacturers, component suppliers, and other strategic actors. This year’s event centered on themes such as the development of air transport in Africa, strategies for continental integration, economic connections, innovative solutions, technological advances, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Founded in 1968, AFRAA is a regional organization committed to fostering cooperation between African airlines, advocating for the sector’s interests, and promoting sustainable aviation growth across the continent. Its 48 members represent over 85% of Africa’s international air traffic, playing a pivotal role in integrating and strengthening the aviation sector.
TAAG, a prominent player in Angol
a’s aviation market, is globally recognized for its sustained growth and currently offers 13 domestic and 11 international destinations. In addition to passenger transport, TAAG’s fleet also provides cargo services, a crucial element for the development of the local ecosystem, reflecting the company’s deep pride in its history, service, and focus on continuous improvement.