Welcome to the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA)

Serving the Collective Interests of the Aviation Industry in the SADC Region

The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) plays the critical role of advocacy on behalf of its member airlines to ensure their views on topical matters are heard by pertinent stakeholders.

AASA focuses on matters that have a direct impact on the sustainability of its member airlines as they seek to continue with the provision of affordable and accessible air transport services throughout the SADC region and beyond.

AASA was established in 1970 and currently has 17 Airline Members and 40 Associate Members. Its associate members are comprised of infrastructure service providers such as ground handling companies and allied industry bodies, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and other aviation industry suppliers.

AASA is a participant and contributor to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forums and supports their initiatives in the region. ^ Read more...

Priority Issues

Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)
Implement the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD)
Government Policies, Legislation & Regulations
Planning & Operational Efficiency
Safety & Security
Taxes, Charges & Fees
ICAO's 2050 Net-Zero CO2 Goals

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1970

ESTABLISHED

17 AIRLINE MEMBERS

40 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Collaboration is a critical success factor in the airline industry. Airlines have recognised this hence the existence of interline and joint venture agreements. Some agreements have evolved into code-sharing, and even mergers and acquisitions. The important consideration is that like-minded airlines find each other and develop mutually beneficial ways to cooperate and collaborate, be it through alliances or joint ventures. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

Membership

Benefits of Membership

AASA exists to serve its Members. AASA's primary objective is to represent its Members on industry matters, where a single voice on issues of common interest, enables Airline Members to concentrate on their core business. Airline Members are welcome and encouraged to engage with AASA regarding any issues they wish to contribute.
AASA represents its Airline Members at Chief Executive level and works with their representatives in specific areas of the airline business. Associate Members are represented at Chief Executive or Senior Executive level.
One of AASA’s priorities is to promote the interests of the airline industry, ensuring fair and workable legislative and regulatory solutions, and cost savings in respect of charges, taxes and levies to benefit the industry. Through its participation user charges forums, AASA has contributed to positive determinations for the industry in respect of reduced charges for the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the South African Weather Service (SAWS), and Consumer Price Index (CPI)-related increases for Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

International Recognition

AASA is one of the regional airline associations recognised by IATA, focusing on the southern African region and the Indian Ocean islands. AASA supports IATA's global initiatives as they impact the regional agenda and priorities of AASA's Members, participating in local, regional, continental Africa and global IATA meetings and forums.
AASA also represents its Members at relevant International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forums, and attended the 39th Triennial ICAO Assembly in 2016, as well as, the ICAO World Aviation Forum 2016. Through this representation, AASA has the opportunity to put forward the views of represented airlines within the State Forums, and to motivate the inclusion of its represented airlines in the States’ positions on policy and regulatory matters.
AASA is always welcomed at international conferences and forums as the representative voice of the airline industry in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, and is often requested to make keynote addresses or participate in panel discussions at such events. ^ Read more...

Media & Events

News media, online events and social media platforms are key channels AASA utilises to advance its advocacy messages to a range of stakeholder audiences, including government policy-makers, legislators, regulatory bodies, public health authorities, the business and financial community, as well as industry suppliers and partners.