The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged South Africa's new Government of National Unity to continue prioritizing the development of its aviation sector as a critical driver for economic growth and job creation. 

"South Africa's aviation industry is poised for significant growth over the next 20 years, adding 345 million additional passenger journeys by 2043. With aviation generating US$6 in economic activity for every US$1 spent, this expansion will inject billions into South Africa's GDP and create thousands of new jobs," said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East.

"It is important for the new government to keep this as a strategic focus. The economic and social benefits of aviation will be maximized with a sharp policy focus on keeping costs low, providing sufficient capacity to grow, monitoring the cost-effectiveness of regulations, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," he added.

IATA urged the new government to focus on infrastructure costs to ensure continuous consultation between Airports Corporation South Africa and Air Traffic Navigation Services and their airline customers, safety leadership, skills development, and sustainability.

"This is a win-win agenda for the new government's facilitating trade, encouraging investment, and addressing unemployment. South Africa's aviation sector has had challenging times in recent years. But that has not changed the fundamental fact that aviation is a critical enabler for economic growth and prosperity," Alawadhi said.

"If the new government keeps a focus on safety, sustainability, skills development and costs, it will chart a course to renewed strength in aviation that will have a positive impact across the economy," he added.