Two become one in African aviation show merger

Two established African aviation events are combining into a single dedicated show targeted at the business and commercial aviation communities.

The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) – which hosts an annual regional symposium on the continent – has joined forces with Times Aerospace – publisher of African Aerospace and owner of the fledgling Aviation Africa conference – to create the new pan-African offering.

“A number of locations are currently under consideration for the first outing of the new African Business Aviation Show (ABAS) and Aviation Africa,” the organisers say. The final location selection will be announced later this year.

The meeting will extend across three days, incorporating a one-day AfBAA symposium dedicated to the business aviation sector and a two-day conference covering government and regulatory affairs as well as commercial aviation. Chalets, booths and a static display of all types of aircraft will add to the exhibition offering.

“Many of the same concerns, such as open skies policies, regulatory issues, training and safety, are affecting commercial and business aviation across the continent,” explains Tarek Ragheb, founding chairman of AfBAA. “The combining of the market segments will allow delegates from each sector to exchange experiences, knowledge and ideas. In parallel, the one-day symposium and two-day conference will focus on inherent issues associated with each sector,” he continues.