Ethiopian Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Inking the MoU were Mesay Shiferaw, Managing Director of Ethiopian Aviation academy, and Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA's Secretary-General. The MoU is "on training that will facilitate a framework of collaboration between AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy to achieve common objectives on training of aviation professionals across the African continent," AFRAA disclosed in a press release.
The signing of the MoU came following Mr. Berthé's and his leadership team's visit to Ethiopian Airlines, where he met Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO. The two leaders along with their teams held a consultative meeting at Ethiopian Airlines headquarters in Addis Ababa. The collaboration between AFRAA and Ethiopian is aimed to support the development of a sustainable and safe air transport system in Africa and thereby effectively contribute to the continent’s economic development and integration.
Leaders at the meeting noted AFRAA’s on-going projects geared towards fostering collaboration among its members, cost reduction, and creation of synergies among African airlines. Various areas of advocacy by AFRAA for the sustainability of African aviation through the promotion of intra-Africa travel, reduction of high operating costs, and infrastructural development were discussed.
According to Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, “There is a need to develop aviation professionals within Africa and bridge the training gaps in the continent and beyond. Hence, a partnership between AFRAA and airline aviation training centers would be a way forward to overcome the challenges relating to the training of next-generation aviation professionals.”
“AFRAA welcomes cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines on the coordination of Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy training activities, exchange of programs to attain our common objectives and enhance the effectiveness of the Association in serving the interests of the African aviation sector,” Mr. Berthé added.
AFRAA Secretary-General commended Ethiopian Airlines for the agility and resilience in navigating the pandemic and reassured Mr. Gebremariam of AFRAA’s continued support to execute the Association’s mandate to ensure the African continent is served adequately with safe, reliable, and economical air transport.
Source (Including Image): AFRAA
