The CAPA Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit, to be held on 29-30 April 2019, will examine commercial and operational issues affecting airlines and airports in Africa and the Middle East, focusing on both domestic markets and growth prospects in key international markets.

With an expected delegation of 250 senior executives from airlines, airports and industry suppliers, the summit forms part of CAPA’s existing suite of global aviation events held throughout the world, including in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.

At the Summit, CAPA will challenge leaders of the Middle East and African aviation industry to reflect on what is needed to drive the industry forward, using examples of innovation in outside markets as a benchmark to follow.

Like their peers elsewhere, carriers in the Middle East face ongoing challenges to their business models. Competition from ambitious new entrants such as the Chinese carriers are threatening the big three Gulf carriers’ position as the chief global superconnectors, who are themselves slowing down as they recalibrate their market positioning.

The region’s airlines also have to contend with challenges unique to the Middle East, such as fluctuating oil revenues, regional conflict and overcrowded airspace. On the regulatory front, ongoing negotiations for comprehensive air transport agreements between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations are being hampered by protectionist voices.

Further west, Africa faces its own protectionist hurdles. Impotent government transport strategies and an unwavering commitment to propping up failing carriers continues to limit the region’s aviation success. Local airlines are faced with high operating costs arising from government imposed taxes on aviation fuel and monopoly airport fees, while poor management practices and government restrictions on operational freedoms have severely impaired the natural progression of the industry.

While the Jan-2018 launch of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) represents progress, perhaps the greatest optimism attaches to some very persistent attempts to expand LCC operations in the region.

With aviation in a highly dynamic state, the CAPA Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit will seek to tap into these changes and address the key issues impacting the region.