The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says that investment in connectivity and infrastructure could unlock the air transport industry’s contribution to the economy.
During an IATA Regional Forum held in Nairobi, IATA Vice President Africa, and Middle East region Muhammad Albakri reiterated that air transport has been a major driver in Kenya’s economy.
Contribution to economic growth
In a report, The Importance of Air Transport to Kenya, IATA says that in 2017, Kenya recorded over 4.7 million passenger traffic.
Air Transport industry and tourism add 4.6 percent to the Kenyan GDP and supports roughly 410,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
IATA’s 20-year forecast indicates that the Kenyan aviation could more than double in size, resulting in an additional 11.3 million passenger journeys, over 449,000 jobs, and an $11.3Bn boost to GDP by 2037.
The aviation industry boosts tourism, attracts regional headquarters of multinational companies, and helps foster trade, logistics, and foreign investment in the country.
Recommendations
The IATA Vice President Africa, and Middle East region Mr. Albakri urged African nations to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) thus opening Africa’s skies.
Africa is the largest market for passenger flows to Kenya. For instance, In 2018, 3.1 million passengers to Kenya were from African nations accounting for 70.4 percent of total passenger flows into Kenya.
The infrastructure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport needs to be improved to accommodate the future growth of air traffic. In addition, the expansion is essential if Nairobi is to remain a competitive connecting hub and East Africa’s main air cargo hub.
Moreover, there should be an adoption of new innovative technologies such as biometrics and artificial intelligence (AI) that will improve efficiency and passenger journey experience.
