Issue 11 | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | http://www.nomadafricamag.com | 67data for travel agents to tailor-make
packages.
Drone technology will impact the future
of aviation in multiple ways. Rob Eagles,
director of air traffic management infra-
structure at IATA believes that un-
manned aircraft systems (UAS) – or
drones – will be used to transport pas-
sengers in future. "Our goal is to facilitate
this new branch of aviation by develop-
ing standards to support safe, efficient,
orderly, reliable and sustainable high-fre-
quency drone operations into the air-
space system. The question is not ‘if’
anymore, but ‘when’" says Eagles.
Céline Hourcade, head of cargo transfor-
mation at IATA refers to trials already
being carried out for airport surveillance,
bird control, deliveries and humanitarian
aid all using drone technology. "Existing
and new aircraft manufacturers are all
working on unmanned aircraft projects,"
says Hourcade. She identifies three main
aspects of aviation that hold uncapped
business potential, including transport of
passengers, transport of goods and
ground operations. "Drones could unlock
communities without transport infra-
structure and could be cost-effective al-
ternatives to traditional aircraft," says
Hourcade. "This is an opportunity for our
member airlines to capture new markets,
open new routes, reduce costs and in-
crease revenues."Aviation is a catalyst for growth and de-
velopment on the African continent. Ris-
ing costs of fuel, labour and technology
are risks to profitability, but the benefits
of the air transport industry are essential
to any economy for tourism, trade and
investment to flourish. It is imperative
that governments work together to lib-
eralise connectivity and minimise restric-
tive regulations and unreasonable
taxation to encourage tourism and build
infrastructure, while partnering with
global governing bodies to maintain net-
working relationships. There is no doubt
that there will be turbulence ahead in
African skies, but a clear forecast is on
the horizon.“It is absurd that it is possible to travel
thirteen times a week from Nairobi to London, yet
impossible to travel directly from Nairobi to Dakar. A
potential five million passengers a year are being denied the
opportunity to travel, trade and spread economic and
social development.”- Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President, IATA’s Africa.