The Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa) has signed a strategic MOU with AviaDev with the common goal of advancing aviation development in Africa.
Barsa is already committed to promote sustainable aviation, air transport development and economic growth in South Africa. AviaDev is a leading platform dedicated to aviation route development and industry collaboration in Africa. The MoU was officially signed during the recent AviaDev Africa conference in Zanzibar.
George Mothema, CEO of Barsa, told Travel News that the strategic partnership aimed to enhance industry growth, improve regional connectivity and facilitate meaningful knowledge-sharing across the continent.
Barsa and AviaDev will collaborate on content-sharing, joint participation in industry events, marketing support and potential research and development initiatives that promote the development of air services across Africa.
Said Mothema: “Because of the work Barsa does, we influence policy. We considered how best we could be a lobby group influencing policy in Africa, seeking collaboration and coordination in the continent. We will develop instruments that impact decisions in African markets.”
He said while the interest levels of foreign airlines in entering African markets were high, the challenge was African governments and the element of protectionism. “Airlines always want interconnectivity – can governments use liberalisation of African skies to provide this?”
Mothema said the alignment between Barsa and AviaDev would create more impact and that they would both seek more government participation in events. “We must stop talking to ourselves.”
“AviaDev believes in the power of partnership and collaboration to progress the African aviation industry. AviaDev and Barsa have supported each other’s initiatives for many years and cementing this partnership via MOU is a natural step,” said Jon Howell, AviaDev Founder and CEO.
The signing of the MOU aligns with Barsa’s broader commitment to regional cooperation and complements a similar agreement already in place with the African Airlines Association. These strategic alliances form part of Barsa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement, support sustainable route development, and ensure a more connected and resilient African aviation sector.
