ACI Africa chief underlines critical role of commercial for regional airports

AFRICA. Non-aeronautical revenues at Africa’s airports remain “largely untapped” and are a “critical area for growth”. That’s according to Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Secretary General Ali Tounsi. He issued a statement in advance of the 57th ACI Africa Regional Conference in Livingstone, Zambia, which will devote a session to commercial revenues on 22 March, as reported.

Tounsi said: “The morning of 22 March is dedicated to the commercial forum. This is a critical area for growth as non-aeronautical revenues in African airports are still largely untapped. Such an event is crucial for the future of the African aeronautics sector because it concerns potential new jobs and new financial opportunities for our airports. It is in Africa that the potential for growth in air traffic is the strongest, as IATA frequently states.

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The ACI Africa commercial session takes place on 22 March in Livingstone, Zambia, close to Victoria Falls

“African airports are without doubt the most promising in terms of commercial development. I would remind you that Africa will have exceptional growth of its air transport sector in the coming years with an annual growth rate of +5% expected over the next 20 years to reach more than 300 million passengers per year. The ten most dynamic markets in terms of percentage will be in Africa, including: Sierra Leone, Guinea, Central African Republic, Benin, Mali, Rwanda, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Madagascar.”

He added: “African airports need to be more aware of the opportunities available to them and recognise what other parts of the world have been able to do. In Europe in 2013, duty free and travel retail at airports, along with other in-terminal services (such as car hire and food and beverage services), generated around 107,000 jobs, some 6% of the total direct aviation-related jobs generated at or in the vicinity of airports.

“Imagine what could it be achieved in Africa regarding its huge potential. That is why we look beyond being an infrastructure provider to more profitable commercial enterprises. The diversification and increasing reliance on commercial income sources also provides a cushion during adverse economic times, such as financial crises and epidemics.”

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