The industry mourns as Africa's finest, Ethiopian, suffered a crash over the Mediterranean, January 25. We commiserate with Ethiopian and relatives of the accident victims.

Also, the December 25 2009 failed bomb attack on a US-bound airplane has created new security challenges for air transport, as stricter forms of security screening are already being observed at some airports within and outside Africa with additional costs and delays for air transport operation.

Interestingly, though the failed bombing occurred as the industry began to convalesce from the recession, the aviation industry is still experiencing gradual recovery now being reinforced by wider global economic rebound.

Industry leadership should maintain focus on recovery-enhancing strategies, while taking appropriate collaborative steps to address the security difficulties to preserve public confidence and decency in the immediate- and longer-terms.

ICAO deserves commendation for again showing commitment to harmonizing the resolution of the challenges thrown up by the recent security threat. Such a response should be promptly concluded, like the ICAO-backed efforts that produced the regulations for liquids and gels on board airplanes after the failed bomb attack on an aircraft over the North Atlantic in 2006.

Industry should ensure proper application of agreed strategies especially among developing regions where effective deployment of technology-enhanced aviation security facilities have been difficult.

Importantly, the adoption of technology-driven security facilities should also be backed with improvements in aviation security manpower development, and public sensitization on reporting of security threats within and outside the airports. This is also vital for aviation industry in Africa where cooperation and coordination of aviation security, safety and human capacity building should urgently be strengthened.

The current Journal examines ways of increasing relevance of African airports given current industry trends. We have also tried to add more variety to our story servings which you will find useful. The 16th Aviation Allied Business Leadership Conference has been scheduled to hold in Gaborone, Botswana, later this year. Further details of the Conference would be released as they emerge. We look forward to your continued support as we strive to help improve air transport development in Africa.



Thank you.

  
CAPT.  ED.  BOYO