AfBAA to highlight new African Business Aviation Conference at EBACE 2016

Tuesday 10th May 2016


African Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems Forum to be launched

The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) will be introducing its new African Business Aviation Conference concept during this year's European Business Aviation Convention and Expo, EBACE, at the African Pavilion - Booth Y140. The executive team will be highlighting how it has transformed the existing Regional Symposium into an improved and expanded event, to be called the African Business Aviation Conference, or AfBAC.

The first annual meeting, which will take place this year on 17 and 18 November, will appeal to an international audience eager to discover more about the latest business aviation developments from the dynamic African sector. It will also provide African business aviation stakeholders with insight into international business aviation activity and how it can support their own development.  Complementing the regular panel sessions, key note speeches and presentations, new formats will include "fireside" chats with influential aviation leaders, extended networking opportunities, and a full two day agenda.

The Association will use the meeting as a platform to launch Africa's first annual forum dedicated to the burgeoning sector of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, RPAS. "Africa's operating environment offers great scope for unmanned aerial vehicles. The applications and opportunities are immense, and it's an area that affects business aviation operations in a number of ways. This is why we've chosen to launch the annual RPAS Forum as part of the AfBAC event," explained Rady Fahmy, CEO of the Association.

The introduction of AfBAC to the aviation conference schedule is the first in a series of planned steps by AfBAA to expand its events and networking opportunities. Tarek Ragheb, Founding Chairman of AfBAA said: "We are very pleased to be able to announce the introduction of AfBAC at EBACE. European and African relations have a long heritage, and continue to grow business together. By offering a variety of platforms from which to communicate we are fulfilling our mission of promoting the understanding and benefits of business aviation in Africa. We are aiming to bring the world to Africa, and Africa to the world, to serve the very different needs of our members both within Africa and across the globe. Creating forums for debate, discussion and development is a key part of the organisation's function."

South Africa has one of the most active business aviation sectors on the continent and Cape Town has one of the largest general aviation communities. This combined with its stunning coastal location, excellent convention infrastructure and convenient travel connections makes it an attractive proposition for the inaugural AfBAC.

About AfBAA

The African Business Aviation Association was launched in May 2012 to represent the interests of Africa's aircraft owners, operators, and suppliers to the Business Aviation community in a single voice. AfBAA currently has over 100 members in total.

AfBAA's primary objective is to promote the understanding and benefits that Business Aviation provides for the Continent's economic development and prosperity through advocacy.

As an active, well funded, professionally run organisation AfBAA is committed to increasing membership, raising awareness of the Association internally and externally in Africa and supporting all entities involved in Business Aviation in Africa.

Chairman Tarek Ragheb, and Executive Director Rady Fahmy, work with the Founding Members to lead development of the Association.

www.afbaa.org