SOUTH African Airways will host the 69th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre from June 9-11, 2013.
“The IATA AGM is a unique marketing and publicity opportunity for our industry, for Cape Town and for South Africa,” said Siza Mzimela, South African Airways CEO.
“Holding the AGM on African soil will focus the global industry’s attention on the opportunities (in Africa) as trade and tourism links are being strengthened within the continent and to new and traditional markets beyond.”
“Significantly, it takes place at the same time as our country is roling out a new national infrastructure development programme,” she added.
According to Tony Tyler, director general & CEO of IATA, besides shining the spotlight on Africa’s potential, next year’s AGM would also provide a platform for discussing the continent’s challenges.
“Growth in Africa is impeded by regulatory burdens and a poor safety record, compounded by high fuel prices in many parts of the continent. Holding the 2013 AGM in Cape Town will provide a prominent platform to address these issues and challenges,” he said.
This will be the third time the IATA AGM is held in Africa. Previous editions on the continent took place in Cairo, Egypt in 1946 and in Nairobi, Kenya in 1991.
