The African Business Aviation Association welcomed an audience of 126 delegates from 76 companies at its inaugural regional symposium at the end of September.

The meeting was held at La Mamounia Hotel, Marrakech, and attracted a mix of international and African business aviation stakeholders from across the industry spectrum. Importantly, government representatives were on hand to contribute, including Abdenbi Manar, general director of Morocco's CAA.

The need for wide-ranging engagement was recognised as a paramount theme. AfBAA founder and chairman Tarek Ragheb said during his opening address: “Business aviation will be the vehicle that will improve economies and social structure in the region, but it is not possible to change anything without participation.” Symposium attendees included representatives from the OEM, FBO, financial, legal, operator, flight support and safety sectors.

Achuzie Ezenagu, md of Nigerian Toucan Aviation, declared: “Africa is open for business,” while Ragheb proposed that the creation of AfBAA general standards to tackle challenges head-on would be valuable.

“With the participation and support of stakeholders, combined with consistency and transparency from the industry, we can begin to define standards for safety and education that will support future African growth and sustainably develop the industry,” he said.