Private airlines in Ethiopia established an association which they dubbed “Ethiopian Private Airlines Association”.

Currently there 13 registered private airline operators in the East African nation. Even if these airlines do not have an association, they have been raising their concern regarding red-tape in the aviation industry to the concerned federal authority.

Commenting on the development Abera Lemi, coordinator of the association and CEO of National Airways, said the association was registered at the notary office, Document Authentication and Registration Office and the Ministry of Trade. Airliners associations were active in other countries while Ethiopia lagged behind, he added.

He also explained there are troubles faced by private airline operators and the association will work to deliberate on challenges and bring the issues to the government. “We shall discuss policy issues and take matters that hinder the development of general aviation in Ethiopia to the concerned government bodies,” he added.

The association would work closely with Ministry of Transport, Ethiopian Civil Authority and Ethiopian Airports Enterprise, Abera furthered. According to him, the association will work in areas enhancing aviation safety and security. “Big airlines fly to big airports which have every required airport facilities. But small private airlines fly to remote and inaccessible areas where there is no security apparatus. This association will help private operators to exchange information among themselves and report security concerns to the relevant government bodies,” he noted.

Source: The Reporter