Introduction.
KENYA hosted the 7th East Africa Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) Aviation Symposium at the Pride Inn Resort in Mombasa from 14–15 May 2026, bringing together regional aviation regulators, industry leaders, and partners to chart the future of East African aviation. The symposium focused on key themes including green aviation, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), safety and security oversight, capacity building, route and market development, and the role of aviation in tourism and trade, with discussions emphasising the need for harmonised policies to improve regional connectivity and economic integration. Delegates also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between aviation authorities, airlines, airports, and training institutions, alongside enhanced data sharing, cybersecurity, and skills development. KENYA’S Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. Terry Mbaika, called for practical joint action to translate regional ambitions into measurable outcomes that unlock trade and tourism opportunities across East Africa. The event also acknowledged support from development partners, including the European Union, and concluded with commitments to deepen cooperation ahead of KENYA’S upcoming hosting of the AFRICA Aviation Summit in September 2026.
Aviation Projections and Statistics.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted strong long-term growth prospects for aviation in EGYPT, projecting passenger demand to grow at an average of 3.4% annually from 2024 to 2050, above the global average of 3.1%, with a higher scenario reaching 3.8%. IATA noted that this growth potential could significantly boost connectivity, jobs, trade, and tourism, but stressed the need for cost-effective airport infrastructure, globally aligned regulation, and stronger government–industry collaboration to support sustainable expansion. The association also called for balanced passenger rights frameworks and early consultation on major airport developments to avoid unnecessary cost burdens on airlines and travellers. In addition, IATA emphasised the importance of advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, aligning with EGYPT’S ambition to become a regional hub for lower-carbon aviation and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Ethiopian Airlines recorded strong multi-dimensional growth over the past eight years, with passenger numbers increasing by 80%, according to CEO Mesfin Tasew. During the airline’s 80th anniversary celebrations in Addis Ababa, management highlighted that this expansion was supported by a major fleet growth of 74 additional aircraft, enabling operations across five continents and approximately 145 international destinations. The carrier also reported significant financial and operational gains over the same period, including a 97% increase in cargo volumes, a 120% rise in annual revenue, and a threefold increase in profit, while now carrying over 20 million passengers annually. The airline further expanded infrastructure capacity, with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport increasing its handling capacity from 9 million to 25 million passengers and aircraft parking capacity from 44 to 110 stands, reinforcing its position as AFRICA’S largest carrier by scale and network reach.
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