The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with African Development Bank (AfDB) to outline a partnership framework to advance the aviation sector in Africa.

As part of the deal, IATA and AfDB will work together to help build a safe, secure and efficient aviation industry in the continent, as well as support its economic and social growth.

The partnership intends to create and implement various programmes and projects, including technical cooperation for capacity building.

“The MoU with ADB will help facilitate the growth and development of Africa’s aviation industry.”

However, priorities will be given to improve connectivity, safety and aviation infrastructure.

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “Aviation in Africa currently supports $72.5bn in economic activity and 6.8 million jobs.

“Over the next 20 years, aviation is forecast to grow at nearly 6% per year. This creates significant opportunities. But achieving this potential will not happen by chance; strong partnerships are key.

“The MoU with ADB will help facilitate the growth and development of Africa’s aviation industry. In so doing, it will expand prosperity and change peoples’ lives for the better in the continent’s 54 nations.”

In a separate development, IATA has begun the IATA Aviation Safety Culture (I-ASC) survey to support airlines to implement safety management systems (SMS).

The survey will also help the airlines to create a strong safety culture in compliance with ICAO’s newly upgraded standards and recommended practices (SARPS).