The director-general of Mozambique Airlines, João Carlos Pó Jorge, was elected president of the Association of Southern African Airlines (AASA), during the 52nd Annual General Assembly of the association, held from October 14 to 15.

At the same meeting, the CEO of the airline Safair, Elmar Conradie, was elected to the position of vice president. Both managers will be in office for a period of 12 months.

"Our industry emerges from the covid-19 pandemic in a very different form than it was. It is adjusted, fitter and stronger, but faces considerable economic, regulatory setbacks and external threats, including reliable fuel supply, which is the most pressing issue," AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi noted.

"Both João Carlos Pó Jorge and Elmar Conradie are highly respected and knowledgeable leaders in the Southern African air transport industry and are well positioned to provide guidance and support as we continue to lead and speak on behalf of the airline industry and engage on its behalf with governments and regulators throughout the SADC region," added the AASA CEO.

AASA's 2022 annual assembly was attended by more than 260 delegates representing airlines, airports, air navigation and weather services, as well as manufacturers, suppliers and other industry stakeholders.

Issues addressed included the need for urgent action by the region's governments to review policies and regulations to enable a more efficient, comprehensive and competitive air transport industry to serve and support all SADC economies.