The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has elected its incoming chairperson and deputy chairperson, at its fifty-fifth Annual General Assembly (AGA), which was held in Lusaka, Zambia, and hosted by Proflight Zambia (which is Zambia’s largest airline). The chairperson is South African airline Lift senior executive Daniel Rosenzweig, who was, in fact, re-elected to the post. The deputy chairperson is Eswatini national flag carrier Eswatini Air CEO Captain President Dlamini. They will both serve for the next 12 months.

“Daniel and President will provide guidance and support to AASA in our ongoing engagements with governments, aviation regulators, air navigation service providers and other relevant role players in our advocacy work,” pointed out AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi. “Our goal is that policy, regulations, services and aviation infrastructure support and promote competitive, financially viable and environmentally sustainable, secure and safe air transport with comprehensive intra-African connectivity.”

Created in 1970, AASA now has 16 airline members and 42 associate members. It represents most of the airlines in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Its fifty-fifth AGA was attended by more than 200 delegates. In addition to airlines, these delegates represented air navigation service providers, airports, aircraft and engine manufacturers, industry suppliers, civil aviation authorities and other aviation stakeholders.

AASA is an advocate for its members regarding matters of common interest. These include national legislation, policies, and regulations; operational efficiency, planning, safety and security; and charges, taxes and other things that affect the sustainability of AASA members and their ability to provide accessible and affordable air transport throughout the region.

The association supports and works with the global representative body for the airline industry, the International Air Transport Association, regarding initiatives in the SADC region that affect AASA members. AASA also represents the SADC airline industry in the relevant forums of the intergovernmental International Civil Aviation Organisation.