Safran becomes a partner of the African Airlines Association

During the 51th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association, held on November 11&12, Safran announced it had established a partnership with the association, which works to promote safe, reliable, economical and efficient air transport services in Africa.

The Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), which has been sponsoring by CFM International* for many years, gave Safran the opportunity to announce that it has become an official partner of AFRAA. In taking on this commitment, the Group is keen to participate in AFRAA's work to develop the African market and support its growth. This partnership will also enable Safran to raise its profile among the African aeronautic community.

 

"In order to improve the competitiveness of African airlines, we have created the AFRAA consulting unit, which will act as a center for knowledge and expertise concerning the African air transport market," says Abderahmane Berthé, Secretary General of AFRAA. "In addition, we have revised our vision, mission and strategic objectives in order to meet the needs of African carriers more effectively, so that they may become key players who contribute actively to driving Africa's economic development."

Africa, a continent in a state of great change

"African countries will experience unprecedented growth, with the development of major markets open to international competition: by 2050, the population will have doubled and GDP per capita is expected to triple. Indeed, the continent has an average annual growth rate of over 5%...," explains Olivier Lafaye, Vice President for International Development at Safran. "Safran is a long-standing partner of African airlines. However, in the face of this geo-strategic development, Safran must position itself to gain larger market shares and support the continent's growing needs in the fields of aviation, defense and space.", he concluded.

About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) was created in Accra, Ghana, in 1968 by 14 founding members. It groups together 40 African airlines and works with more than 30 international aviation-industry partners, including Airbus, Boeing, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, MTU, and now Safran. AFRAA currently represents more than 85% of the air transport market in Africa. The topic addressed at this year Annual General Assembly was "Success in an integrated and interconnected Africa".

About Safran

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Safran has a global presence, with more than 95,000 employees and sales of 21 billion euros in 2018. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes Research & Development programs to meet fast-changing market requirements, with total R&D expenditures of around 1.5 billion euros in 2018.