Commercial aviation brings great benefits to Africa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global representative body for the airline industry, has highlighted. But African governments need to prioritise improving aviation safety, reduce taxes and charges, and eliminate the blocking of airline funds, in order to maximise the benefits that the sector could provide. “Africa’s aviation sector is a vital economic driver, contributing $75-billion to GDP and supporting 8.1-million jobs,” stressed IATA regional director external affairs: Africa Somas Appavou. “The continent’s aviation market is projected to grow at 4.1% over the next 20 years, doubling by 2044. More important than the growth of the sector is the impact that a successful aviation industry has on social and economic development. As governments prioritise how to deliver their agendas with limited resources it is critical to recognise that supporting aviation underpins jobs, trade, and tourism.”