Published: Tuesday, May 23, 2023
The event, themed "Air Finance Strategies for Recovery and Growth," was held from May 10th to May 12th, 2023, at The Bill Gallagher Room, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. It drew influential figures from the African aviation industry.
One of the most notable changes for airlines in the post-COVID era is the increased reliance on government aid and loans, as Africa has limited government grants available. This necessitates African airlines to adopt inventive approaches to financing.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview conducted on Thursday, May 11th, from 14:00 to 14:40, Fairen shared his insights on air finance strategies tailored to African aviation players. He highlighted TAAG's crucial role as an international connector, linking South Africa to Latin America, Europe, and West Africa through the Luanda hub. Fairen also discussed the airline's expanding cargo business in the South African market.
Fairen also addressed the ongoing debate surrounding state-owned versus privatized airlines, a topic of significant importance to African airlines, the majority of which are state-owned. He explored various strategies that airlines can employ to expand their reach and increase market share, including organic growth, codeshares, and alliances.
Attendees at the event could expect to gain invaluable insights from Fairen, a seasoned aviation executive with over 40 years of experience. His extensive background in the aviation industry spans four continents, having held senior positions at notable companies such as Iberia, Lufthansa, and DHL. Furthermore, Fairen co-founded Vueling Airlines in 2004 and most recently served as CEO of Viva Air Peru.
The 31st African Aviation Summit, Air Finance Africa 2023, is a significant gathering that examines the current state of the aviation industry and the strategies required for recovery and growth. TAAG's participation in the event underscores its commitment to the African aviation industry and its dedication to offering innovative solutions that support industry recovery and growth.
TAAG Angola Airlines takes pride in being part of this event and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the growth and development of the aviation industry in Africa.