Lulu Rasebotsa, General Manager of Air Botswana, has been re-elected as Chairperson of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) at the organization’s 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Cape Town this month. Joining her in the leadership role, Prof. John Lamola, the interim CEO of South African Airways (SAA), has been elected as Deputy Chair.
The re-election of Rasebotsa and the appointment of Lamola highlight the continued commitment of AASA’s leadership to advocate for a stronger, more sustainable, and connected air transport sector in Africa.
Experienced Leadership for a Critical Time in African Aviation
Lulu Rasebotsa’s re-election as Chairperson underscores her influential role in Southern Africa’s aviation industry. As the GM of Air Botswana, she has steered the airline through a dynamic and challenging environment, strengthening its position within the region. Her leadership within AASA is recognized for providing stability and direction, which has been especially crucial given the global shifts affecting aviation in recent years, including the post-pandemic recovery, economic pressures, and regulatory challenges.
Prof. John Lamola, SAA’s interim CEO, brings a wealth of experience to the Deputy Chair position. His leadership at SAA during a period of significant restructuring has been instrumental in reviving the airline’s operations and positioning it for long-term viability. His academic background and strategic mindset make him an excellent complement to Rasebotsa’s practical, operational expertise.
AASA’s Advocacy for a Sustainable, Competitive, and Connected Aviation Sector
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa plays a pivotal role in advocating for the region’s aviation industry, particularly in ensuring that policies, regulations, and standards support a competitive, sustainable, and interconnected aviation market. The association works closely with governments, regulators, airport operators, air navigation service providers, and other stakeholders to push for a balanced and fair aviation landscape.
AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi praised the leadership team, stating: “Rasebotsa and Lamola will provide guidance and support to AASA in our ongoing engagements with governments, tariff, licensing, and safety regulators, airport operators, air navigation service providers, and other role players in our advocacy work. Our goal is that policy, regulations, and standards promote competitive, affordable, economically and environmentally sustainable, secure, and safe air transport with comprehensive intra-African connectivity.”
Advancing Intra-African Connectivity and Sustainable Growth
One of the central pillars of AASA’s work is the promotion of intra-African connectivity. The continent’s fragmented air transport market has long been an obstacle to growth, with restrictive policies and underdeveloped infrastructure limiting the potential of African airlines to thrive. AASA has been advocating for the liberalization of African skies, greater alignment with international standards, and the enhancement of infrastructure to support regional growth.
Intra-African connectivity is vital for economic development, allowing for the freer movement of goods, services, and people across the continent. By engaging with governments and regulatory bodies, AASA aims to break down barriers that inhibit this connectivity and create a more integrated African aviation market. This vision is critical not only for the aviation sector but for the broader goal of regional economic integration and trade.
Sustainability and Environmental Focus
As the global aviation industry shifts towards more sustainable practices, AASA’s leadership is also focused on ensuring that African airlines can meet the environmental challenges of the future. Rasebotsa and Lamola will play an integral role in guiding the association’s response to evolving environmental regulations and the adoption of greener technologies.
Airlines across the continent are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and implement sustainable practices, and AASA’s leadership will continue advocating for policies that balance environmental concerns with the economic realities faced by African airlines.
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