Inati Ntshanga named as AASA chairman

SA Express CEO, Inati Ntshanga, was elected as the chairman of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) at the industry body's 45th annual general assembly which was held at Fancourt, George, this weekend.
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AASA represents 20 SADC and Indian Ocean region airlines on matters of common interest in their respective countries, e.g. tariffs, charges, safety, security, infrastructure development, air transport policy, etc.

AASA members also elected Comair CEO, Erik Venter as the association’s Deputy Chairman.

This year’s annual meeting focussed on how aviation can unlock further tourism growth and maximise its potential for driving trade, job creation, economic expansion and social development across the region.

Speakers included the Minister of Tourism, Dr Derek Hanekom, regional and global industry leaders, economist, Azar Jammine and head of the Gordon Institute for Business Science, Professor Nick Binedell who presented a 10-year review and foreword economic outlook for Africa.

AASA’s CEO, Mr Chris Zweigenthal, issued an urgent plea to governments to remove policy impediments to growth. It called on governments to align their policies on immigration, trade, industry, tourism, transport, environment and economic growth to maximise the proven socio-economic benefits that a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable air transport connectivity can bring to the entire region through increased connectivity and greater market access.