Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier of Kenya, is set to host the 37th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) from May 13 to May 15, 2025. This marks the first time the prestigious event is being held in Africa, and it underscores the increasing importance of the continent in the global aviation industry. The conference, which will take place in Nairobi, offers a significant opportunity for Kenya Airways to showcase its leadership in aviation innovation and development across Africa.
Kenya Airways has expressed its pride in being the host of this landmark event, aligning with the airline’s broader mission to drive innovation and collaboration within the aviation sector. CEO Allan Kilavuka noted that the event will not only spotlight the airline’s achievements but also highlight Africa’s capacity to shape the future of global air travel. According to Kilavuka, the event’s theme will center on “elevating” the performance of the ground handling sector. This area of aviation is critical for the safety, efficiency, and overall success of air travel, which is why the conference aims to foster improvements in this essential field.
The IATA Ground Handling Conference is a pivotal event for aviation professionals, particularly those involved in ground support operations. As Kilavuka mentioned, Kenya Airways’ focus for the event will be on modernizing ground handling operations, workforce development, and enhancing collaboration between various stakeholders in the aviation industry. The goal is to create a platform for discussing innovative solutions that will help improve the efficiency and performance of the ground handling sector, which plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and smooth operation of flights worldwide.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh also emphasized the significance of this year’s conference, highlighting that it will address several critical topics affecting the aviation industry. Among the areas of focus will be the adoption of hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE), advancements in real-time baggage tracking, and the implementation of electronic bag tags. These discussions are expected to provide valuable insights into how the aviation industry can adopt sustainable practices and increase operational efficiency. Walsh also noted that the conference would emphasize safety, with a particular focus on harmonized training standards and best practices across the globe.
The conference will feature several key speakers, including President William Ruto of Kenya, IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh, and top executives from Kenya Airways. The event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of aviation in Africa and globally. They will explore strategies for enhancing public-private partnerships, advancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting synergy between airport handlers and other stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem.
This event also aligns with IATA’s broader Focus Africa initiative, which aims to promote sustainable aviation growth across the continent. The conference offers a significant opportunity for Africa to demonstrate its potential as a hub for innovation and growth in global aviation. The discussions and partnerships forged during the event will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of air travel, not just in Africa but globally.
In conclusion, Kenya Airways’ role in hosting this major event highlights the airline’s ongoing commitment to advancing the aviation sector, both domestically and continentally. By hosting the IATA Ground Handling Conference, Kenya Airways is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel and ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of the global aviation industry. The event will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the development of ground handling practices, safety standards, and technological advancements that will benefit the entire aviation ecosystem.
