The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Afroport Mauritanie yesterday signed an agreement to enhance the safety of ground operations in Mauritania.
The agreement is aimed at two critical global standards; the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO). The agreement was signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and Ahmed Al Hadabi, Group CEO of Terminals Holding, the parent company of Afroport Mauritanie.
Promotion of critical global standards
Afroport Mauritanie offers commercially viable services to various stakeholders within the aviation industry. It is the operator of Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, Mauritania's main airport, and a hub for Mauritania Airlines.
The collaborative network with IATA will allow Afroport Mauritanie to promote the adoption of IGOM by Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSP). Afroport Mauritanie will also recognize ISAGO as an acceptable means of compliance for airport oversight activities and make ISAGO registration and station accreditation a condition for GHSPs to operate at the airport.
The two will monitor safety performance at the airport while aiming to identify opportunities for scaling and improving ground handling. Global standards, such as IGOM and ISAGO, play a significant role in ensuring safety in aviation. Alawadhi said in a statement;
"The commitment of Afroport Mauritanie to IGOM and ISAGO will help further Mauritania’s social and economic development with safer ground operations. Lower adoption rates for global standards rank high among the factors limiting the benefits that aviation could deliver in Africa. This agreement is a great example for airports across the African continent to follow."
IATA's commitment to African aviation
Aviation has the potential to make an essential contribution to the economic growth and development within Africa. It is crucial now more than ever as the aviation industry has almost fully recovered from the pandemic and as stakeholders campaign for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While promoting the development of aviation, it is critical to keep safety and global standards in mind. About the agreement between IATA and Afroport Mauritanie, Ahmed Al Hadabi said in a statement;
"Our goal in partnership is to support the development of a strong aviation sector with global standards and best practices at its heart. The agreement with IATA is a significant step towards achieving standardized, sustainable operations on the ground."
Earlier this year, IATA was in Somalia to expand its presence in the East African nation and develop its aviation industry. The air transport association signed a cooperation agreement with the Somali government to strengthen the state's socio-economic benefits from air travel.
Furthermore, from June 2023, RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo will be Chair of the IATA Board of Governors. This will make her the first female and African to be granted this position, which is a significant opportunity for developing the underserved areas in Africa's aviation industry.
All these agreements, including yesterday's with Mauritania, further authenticate IATA's work in Africa to create a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector. This will generate growth and employment, and facilitate international trade and tourism, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals through global connectivity.
What do you think of IATA's commitment to aviation in Africa? Let us know in the comments!