The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is the leading trade association representing African Union member airlines.
Established in 1968 in Accra, AFRAA has a vision to foster robust cooperation among African carriers, AFRAA works to accelerate the continent’s socio-economic integration through a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport industry.
Committed to a sustainable future, AFRAA is actively integrating sustainability into its operations and initiatives, aiming to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and enhance resilience across the aviation value chain.
In a conversation with Mr. Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General of AFRAA —an aviation expert with over four decades of industry experience— he shares insights into the future of aviation on the continent.
Mr. Berthe explains that AFRAA is implementing various measures to reduce African airlines’ environmental footprint, including a full routing airspace initiative to enhance fuel efficiency and a sector-wide policy targeting to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.
He emphasizes the importance of stakeholder cooperation and government support in achieving sustainable aviation development objectives.
For AFRAA, sustainability goes beyond reducing environmental considerations. It entails a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility. These three pillars are considered essential to ensure that airlines not only thrive but also safeguard the environment while generating revenue.
As showcased during the 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention (ASC) in May 2025, held under the theme “Sustainability, Collaborate, innovate”, the association is urging diverse stakeholders in the sector to act collectively in championing aviation growth across the continent and unlock sector’s full potential.
Driving Sustainability Through Policy, Innovation, and Cooperation
Mr. Berthe notes that AFRAA has established strategies to reduce carbon emissions and adopt eco-friendly practices such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and modern fleet management.
At the same time, the association is addressing challenges such as high operational costs, the need for infrastructure improvement, and financing gaps in the aviation sector.
With the aviation industry aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, it is imperative for African airlines to enhance their financial performance, increase collaboration, and embrace innovation to improve revenues and streamline processes.
Innovation, according to Mr. Berthe, is key to modern aviation, with the sector leveraging technology and digitalization, such as advanced air cargo solutions and modernized ticketing systems, among others, to enhance efficiency.
The SG also identifies several challenges facing the African aviation sector, including market access restrictions, visa limitations, inadequate infrastructure, high operational costs, excessive taxes and charges, and limited access to financing.
Addressing Industry Challenges
AFRAA has put forward several strategies in a bid to address these issues. The SG reiterates the importance of implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision of 1988, adopted in 1999, a key agreement aimed at liberalizing and promoting air transport services within the continent.
This decision envisions removing restrictions on air services, encouraging fair competition, and fostering regional air markets, ultimately aiming to improve intra-African air transport and attract private capital into the industry.
Additionally, there is a call for the full operationalization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Mr. Berthe expresses conviction that faster implementation of SAATM would enhance regional air travel and trade. This move complements the need for stronger partnerships among airlines, airports, regulators, and financial institutions to boost intra-African connectivity.
Complementing this, the Full Routing Airspace programme, commencing in Central and West Africa, is expected to deliver significant fuel and time savings—advancing both operational efficiency and environmental goals.
On the subject of adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Mr. Berthe acknowledges the low implementation rate due to high costs and limited production capacity in Africa.
“As AFRAA, we have also approved a policy to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, which includes training and capacity building for member airlines. These trainings are critical in getting all members on board to advance the sustainable path together,” he said.
Despite the persistent challenges, such as high taxes, fees, and charges that affect airline operations, Mr. Berthe points out that the association is supporting knowledge sharing and capacity building through workshops and events.
He stresses the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to improve intra-African connectivity and urges governments to prioritize aviation in their national policies.
Mr. Berthe also suggests that the private sector should support the development of aviation infrastructure, noting that African air traffic is expected to double every 20 years.
He advocates for continued discussions and strategic engagements with institutions such as the African Development Bank to de-risk investments in African airlines.
Additionally, he encourages travelers to actively engage with airlines, airports, and service providers to improve the passenger experience and advance sustainability goals through informed choices.
