The 11th Aviation and Allied Business Conference held from September 05-07, 2005 at the Sheraton Addis. The theme of the conference was "Air Transport in Africa: Translating vision into action" thereby delivering the benefits of air transportation to Africa and its people.

The conference was attended by Government and International organization dignitaries and distinguished personalities in the Aviation Industry. The conference was officially opened by H.E. President Girma Wolde-Giorgis.

The Aviation Business Leadership conference in its deliberation at Addis Ababa Sheraton underscored the dire need for fostering and improving Africa's private Air Transport as being one of the major tasks that must be tackled seriously and genuinely.

In its three days deliberations the conference surveyed the current trends of the continent's Air Transport and called on African Regulatory Agencies to make changes in their restrictive areas thereby contributing towards the progress of Aviation development.

Opening the conference, his Excellency, President Girma Wolde Giorgis, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, stated that any action would be possible if policy makers join hands with Aviation Business Leaders of Africa, adding that “we, Africans should recognize the role of Air Transport as a catalyst of development and international trade.”

Mr. Christian Folly Kossi, Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), addressed the conference by stressing that due to globalization foreign carriers are dominating the African skies. Dr. Kassu Illala, Minister of Infrastructure, on his part said that Ethiopian Airlines is trying its best by embarking on enhancing its image to meet the growing challenges posed by different global industries.

Dr. Arega Yirdaw, was among the prominent speakers at the conference. Dr. Arega, in his presentation, touched on key issues, challenges and obstacles and forwarded suggestions that are needed to help promote and hasten the development Aviation in Africa.

“... Private Airlines, properly nurtured, can serve as a complement to the national flag carriers and this could be only achieved by setting up joint operations from which both would benefit,” Dr. stated. (CLICK HERE to go to SPECIAL ISSUE 15 (PP 5-8) for full text)

At the end of the conference prominent personalities who presented papers at the conference received certificate of appreciation from the organizers.

Trans Nation Airways plc (TNA) was one of the sponsors of the 11th Aviation and Allied Business Leadership Conference, which was held on September 05 up to 07, 2005 at Sheraton Addis.

On the occasion welcoming speeches were made by Dr. Arega Yirdaw, CEO of TNA and MIDROC Ethiopia and other representatives of various organizations.

Speaking on the ceremony Dr. Arega thanked the organizer of the conference, Capitan Edward Boya, Publisher of Aviation and Allied Business Publications, for giving TNA the opportunity to be as one of the hosts and sponsors of the conference.

The CEO said “The General Manager of TNA, Ato Tadesse HabteSelassie, the employees of TNA and I take great pleasure in welcoming you all to the 11th Aviation and Allied Business Leadership conference at this beautiful and magnificent Sheraton Hotel, which is the pride of MIDROC Ethiopia and the city of Addis Ababa.” The conference brought together pan African Aviation professionals and business leaders and provided the opportunity for exchanging experiences on pertinent issues of Aviation industries.

About 150 participants, including Pan African Private Airlines Directors, Civil Aviation Commissioners, Ministers, Government Agency General Managers of the MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group Companies and CEO’s Leadership Team Members have attended the Conference.