Kenya Airways to host first IATA Ground Handling Conference in Africa
Kenya Airways is set to host the 37th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi from May 13 to 15, 2025. This event, scheduled to take place in 2025, marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time that the global aviation event is held in Africa, highlighting the continent's growing prominence in the aviation sector.
The conference is anticipated to attract prominent industry leaders and policymakers from around the globe and is a key component of IATA's “Focus Africa” initiative, which aims to strengthen the air transport ecosystem across the continent. Kenya’s growing influence in aviation will be showcased, with representatives such as President William Ruto, IATA Director General Willie Walsh, and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka set to feature prominently during the conference.
Kilavuka outlined the symbolic significance of the event for the African continent, stating, “This underscores Africa’s readiness to shape global air travel’s future. Kenya Airways is committed to advancing innovation and connectivity that spur economic growth.” The conference will delve into various topics crucial to the aviation industry, including the modernisation of operations, workforce development, and the need for enhanced collaboration in ground operations.
Among the key discussion points are the adoption of hydrogen-powered ground support equipment, improvements in real-time baggage tracking, and the necessity of fostering public-private partnerships. Walsh emphasised the importance of these topics, noting, “Efficiency and safety in ground handling underpin aviation’s resilience. Elevating performance requires modernising operations and investing in skilled labour,” highlighting the challenges that aviation stakeholders face in ensuring efficiency and safety in ground handling.
The conference comes at a time when African airlines are grappling with post-pandemic recovery while contending with infrastructure deficiencies and financial challenges. Notably, Kenya Airways reported a narrowed loss of $23 million in 2023, making this event a strategic opportunity for the airline to showcase its operational reforms and attract much-needed investment.
The African aviation sector plays a significant role in the continent's economy, contributing approximately $27 billion to GDP each year. Nonetheless, it is not without its challenges, such as fragmented regulations and substantial operating costs. The IGHC 2025 provides a platform to address these issues while complementing IATA’s ongoing efforts to promote standardised safety protocols and sustainable practices across the industry. With the African ground handling market expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.8% through 2030, there is ample scope for innovation, particularly in relation to green technology.
Kenya's designation as the conference host reflects its strategic position within the region, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport managing to accommodate over 7 million passengers annually. However, experts are cautioned that achieving lasting progress will require a concerted effort to align the conference’s outcomes with actionable policy measures.
For Kenya Airways, hosting this international event presents both an opportunity to enhance its turnaround strategy and a potential challenge, as any missteps could prompt increased scrutiny of its recovery journey. As delegates from around the world prepare to gather in Nairobi, the focus will be on Africa’s capacity to convert discussion into meaningful actions—an endeavour as intricate as the diverse skies above the continent.