Media & Events 

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• 23 Sep - 3 Oct. [EVENT: 42nd ICAO Assembly] Montréal, Canada. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented Members at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

• 15 Sep. [CNBC Africa AASA CEO TV INTERVIEW] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed by Aby Agina namely Africa aviation steady: Profitability still turbulent. The interview was conducted @ 16h00 CAT on #DSTV410.

• 12 Sep. [ARTICLE: Engineering News] In an article Association (AASA) upbeat about liberalising airspace, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, shared the vital role AASA plays in the industry: "The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) is the AU’s designated executing agency, and it is responsible for the implementation of SAATM. The AASA is an integral partner of AFCAC with which it works very closely and…the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member States that are signatories to the SAATM are encouraged to implement it fully. AASA is the representative of SADC airlines in all matters pertaining to policy and that includes the establishment of regulations that stipulate the required levels of service, both for airlines and service providers, for the benefit of passengers and other users of aviation, such as cargo shippers. AASA is involved at the highest level when it comes to ensuring that infrastructure, be it at the airports or the air traffic navigation services, is up to standard. Bearing in mind that our members pay for the use of these services or for the provision of this equipment, we are vigilant in our approach, and we make sure that we maintain close relationships with all the stakeholders.”

• 12 Sep. [ARTICLE: Engineering News] In an article Worries persist despite recent moves to overhaul air traffic entity, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, renewed AASA Members concerns as South Africa’s aviation sector faces a critical test with recent difficulties at SOE ATNS's disruption of operations, that caused delays, and triggered safety warnings from industry experts. "Air traffic safety underpins airline performance, public trust and the country’s global standing, making indications of management and operational problems at ATNS extremely concerning. Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) are fundamental to the operation of all flights, regardless of the type of aircraft, and, it is critical they are restored to full functionality, maintained, and kept up-to-date. As airlines, we would have a different view and posit that, instead of cancelling the flight procedures, ATNS should have been allowed to comply with the SACAA requirements for as long as they were actively updating the said procedures to remain compliant with safety standards. The disruptions caused airlines to cancel or divert flights at a huge cost that they will not be able to recover.”

• 4 - 5 Sep. [EVENT: Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition] Kigali, Rwanda. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, serves as the Moderator at the 9th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition on the Airline C-suite panel that discusses growing and expanding airlines with industry experts.

• 30 Aug. [ARTICLE: Aerospace Global News] In an article Flying cheap in Africa isn’t easy: Can low-cost airlines succeed? that addressed African low-cost carriers (LLCs) having everything working against them: currency volatility, an expensive operating environment, and infrastructure bottlenecks. Yet, despite everything, a few lights shine bright. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, noted that most African LCCs mitigate risks by concentrating first on domestic operations, venturing into international markets only once their financial footing is solid. 

• 13 - 14 Aug. [SADC Tourism Alliance Think Tank / ARTICLE: Novus Press Bulletin] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, appeared in multiple articles after attending a panel discussion at the SADC Tourism Alliance "Unlocking Regional Air Access for Tourism Growth – What’s Next for SAATM in Southern Africa?" with other expert voices from BARSA, FlySafair, and BDO South Africa: Intra-SADC tourism development hampered by protectionist aviation policies, Efforts to address aviation bottlenecks underway, Southern Africa’s tourism growth grounded by aviation policy gaps, Outdated aviation policies stifle SADC tourism, The German government wants Africans to fly more for tourism, SADC Tourism Alliance panel sparks urgent dialogue on air access in Southern Africa. The panel addressed challenges around aviation policy, political will, and regional connectivity - all crucial to unlocking tourism growth across SADC.

• 7 Aug. [SADC Tourism Alliance Think Tank / ARTICLE: Travel News] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, attended a panel discussion at the SADC Tourism Alliance Think Tank that was held in Johannesburg on 6 August. In an article SAATM isn’t dead, just misunderstood he expressed his views: "While the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) has been regarded by some in the aviation industry as “beyond rescue”, the project may still hold value as an instrument to overcome hurdles that have prevented the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, which calls for liberalisation of aviation within Africa." 

• 6 Aug. [ACSA Fuel Forum / ARTICLE: Cape Town etc.] Stakeholders convened at an Airports Company South Africa (ACSA ) Fuel Forum on 4 August, where AASA and other representative bodies, airlines and fuel suppliers convened to assess the risks of jet fuel disruptions, and develop contingency plans to prevent a crisis. ACSA stated it is working on short-term options to ensure airport storage is optimally maintained, particularly before the expiration of certain regulatory exemptions. In an article Airlines in SA brace for possible jet fuel disruptions, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, expressed a degree of confidence based on the discussions held at the forum: "From the information presented, we believe that adequate contingencies are in place to avert any fuel shortages or disruptions." 

• 24 Jul. [EVENT: Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport SA (CILTSA) 4th CILTSA Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Conference] Johannesburg, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, serves as the Programme Director for the 4th CILTSA ESG Conference under the theme: Measuring Impact, Managing Change, providing strategic oversight to facilitate critical ESG discussions and foster effective industry collaboration.

• 22 - 24 Jul. [EVENT: United Nations (UN) Tourism & International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa] Luanda, Angola. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, served as the Moderator for the 22 July session of the UN ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa: Strengthening Regional Integration & Accessibility in Tourism and Air Transport highlighting AFCFTA, SAATM, inclusive air mobility, and seamless travel in Africa.

• 18 Jul. [ARTICLE: Engineering News & Mining Weekly] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, shares his views in an article on air cargo infrastructure, and the critical role air freight plays in key exports in the SADC region, and economic growth in the digital age: Economic Uplift: Aviation: "Air cargo is crucial to the region's economic growth, given that trade and industry rely on speedy and secure transportation of their goods and services. As economies fast-track into the digital world, the preferred mode of transport for the rapidly evolving e-commerce sector is air freight because it facilitates vital courier services. Air freight is the lifeline for key exports including perishables, pharmaceuticals, gemstones and other precious or time-sensitive commodities." 

• 8 Jul. [ARTICLE: My Broadband] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, noted in an article Changes coming to South Africa’s biggest airports: in March, outdated instrument flight procedures (IFPs) at the King Phalo and George airports caused major disruptions as pilots could not land in low-visibility conditions, airlines often have to cancel flights and burn extra fuel due to runway delays. 

• 7 Jul. [ARTICLE: My Broadband] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, noted in an article Air travel turnaround in South Africa: the knock-on effect of ATNS’s mismanagement on airline finances is primarily caused by the costs incurred following air traffic disruptions while trying to meet customer commitments. 

• 4 Jul. [AASA CEO eNCA TV INTERVIEW] eNCA interviews Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, addressing challenges facing the South African airline industry. 

• 30 Jun. [ARTICLE: My Broadband] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article Air travel threatened in South Africa: "South Africa’s commercial airline industry faces severe challenges, including increasing pressure on airline finances and disruptions to air travel nationwide." 

• 29 Jun. [ARTICLE: Travel News] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed and quoted in an article AASA: ACSA missed perfect maintenance opportunity: “AASA argues while the COVID-related restrictions on air travel may have warranted certain equipment being switched off, the period of low traffic should have been used to maintain the equipment. AASA and other industry bodies warned airports and infrastructure service providers that, in anticipation of a surge in traffic once travel resumed, they should use the downtime to carry out all necessary maintenance so that their equipment would be in condition and able to cope with the increased volume of travellers and flights.” 

• 25 Jun. [ARTICLE: My Broadband] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article South Africa's airline industry in crisis: "South Africa’s commercial airline industry faces severe challenges, including increasing pressure on airline finances and disruptions to air travel nationwide." 

• 23 Jun. [AASA CEO RADIO INTERVIEW: The Money Show with Stephen Grootes] Stephen Grootes speaks to Guy Leitch, Editor of SA Flyer Magazine and Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, about the growing crisis in South Africa’s airline industry, where failing navigation systems and deteriorating airport infrastructure are leaving pilots and passengers flying blind.  

• 23 Jun. [ARTICLE: News24] Na'ilah Ebrahim of News24 sat down with Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, who identified several vital issues facing Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), government aviation bodies, and the devastating impact of these problems on airlines, and South Africa's aviation industry in an article Flying blind: Airlines hit by failing navigation systems and poor airport upkeep.

• 19 Jun. [ARTICLE: Business Live] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed and quoted in an article Grounded optimism — Can ACSA’s turnaround take off?: “We only sell one thing – our schedule. The moment schedule integrity is compromised, the product we’re selling collapses. Up to 29% of the cost of air travel across Africa relates to taxes, fees and charges, many of which are imposed by government entities and airports themselves. Before asking for tariff increases, bring the current infrastructure up to a functional level. Some facilities shut during Covid are still down – years later.” 

• 18 Jun. [ARTICLE: Business Live] Reaping the economic benefits of open skies in Africa is an ideal that has so far basically failed to launch, despite almost 40 African States (including SA) having signed the AU’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agreement, since 2018. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed and quoted in an article Open skies in Africa: why the ideal is failing to launch. 

• 16 Jun. [ARTICLE: Travel News] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed and quoted in an article AASA: Aviation BEE proposal ‘achievable’: The recently released Draft Domestic Aviation Sector Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Scorecards and Amendments are “achievable” according to Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, provided that the government provides an enabling environment:“Transformation should encompass all employee levels, not just in the flight deck or above the wing. Other means of compliance include ensuring airline spend with businesses owned and managed by previously disadvantaged communities through supplier and enterprise development programmes. Technical training and employment of previously disadvantaged individuals are also essential components of the transformation process.” 

• 9 Jun. [ARTICLE: Engineering News] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed and quoted in an article New domestic aviation draft BBBEE proposals workable, if government does its part. The recently released Draft Domestic Aviation Sector B-BBEE Scorecards and Amendments could be implemented, but only if government does its part. This point was made by Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) CEO Aaron Munetsi in his initial response to the release of the document: “The industry acknowledges the importance of BBBEE as the starting point for the required transformation in the aviation sector. There is a commitment to ensure participation from all sectors of the population within the aviation industry. The targets were a matter of compromise by both government and airlines. There is an understanding that the targets will be reviewed and/or revised either downwards or upwards depending on the performance of the sector. AASA is satisfied that the targets are achievable on condition that the government provides an enabling environment by reducing costs.” 

• 5 - 7 Jun. [EVENT: Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX)] Lusaka, Zambia. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members as a panelist at the ZATEX on the Strengthening Air Connectivity to Boost Tourism forum at the Expo. 

• 4 Jun. [ARTICLE: CAAS International] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed for an article Exploring Africa’s developing opportunities: "In Southern Africa, the biggest challenge for air freight operators is the unidirectional flow of cargo. This means the freighter might have a very profitable payload on the one sector but will not have any cargo on the other or return sector. AASA observes that shippers and freight forwarders therefore turn to alternative transport methods, such as road freight, to move their goods." 

• 2 Jun. [ARTICLE: Business Live] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed for an article Blocked funds and other issues hinder aviation in SADC region on the sidelines of the IATA AGM.

• 1 - 3 Jun. [EVENT: International Air Transport Association (IATA) 81st AGM & World Air Transport Summit] New Delhi, India. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members at the IATA AGM under the theme: Network. Innovate. Succeed. 

• 28 - 29 May. [EVENT: AFI Aviation Week] Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members at the (Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week. The purpose of the gathering was review the latest developments in aviation, the evolution of the aviation performance in all ICAO strategic objectives in the AFI region, and key priorities and issues related to capacity building in the region.

• 13 - 15 May. [EVENT: Africa Travel Indaba] Durban, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members at the Travel Indaba.

• 11 - 14 May. [EVENT: African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention and the 2nd African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit 2025] Kigali, Rwanda. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members as a panelist exploring SAATM, visa policies, borders and sovereignty, aviation and tourism under the themes of Sustainability. Collaborate. Innovate. at the Aviation Stakeholders Convention held on 12 May.

• 6 - 7 May. [EVENT: Africa Border Security Week (ABSW) 2025] Cape Town, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members as a Speaker at Africa Border Security Week (ABSW). ABSW is a regional event aimed at enhancing border security in Africa, using smart border control technologies. ABSW is earmarked to serve the three border environments by bringing together C-level executives from land borders, air borders, and the maritime environment. Aaron's talk will explore the continent’s readiness for digital transformation in air travel.

• 9 - 11 Apr. [EVENT: WTM Africa 2025] Cape Town, South Africa. On 10 April, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members in conversation with Linden Birns, PlaneTalking MD: Delays, Data Breaches & Dysfunction – Is Africa Ready for Seamless Air Travel?  The future of African air travel is digital - but is the continent ready? As the world moves towards biometric borders, digital IDs, and frictionless passenger journeys, Africa risks falling behind due to infrastructure failures, cybersecurity threats, and policy bottlenecks. With air traffic disruptions costing millions, can airlines, governments, and tech leaders work together to create a seamless travel experience that boosts tourism and trade?

• 2 Apr. [EVENT: African Airlines Association (AFRAA) SkyConnect Leadership Dialogue] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members at the AFRAA Leadership session with Kenya Airways and the Flight Safety Foundation.

• 31 Mar - 5 Apr. [EVENT: Aviation Week Africa (AWA) 2025] Livingstone, Zambia. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members as a panelist on the discussion: Bridging the Gaps - Strengthening Regional Connectivity Through Strategic Airline Network Planning in Africa at AWA 2025, and attended a meeting with the Secretary General of COMESA in Livingstone.

• 18 Mar. [ARTICLE: Daily Maverick] Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article Aviation crisis: urgent action needed as South Africa’s air traffic system breaks down.

• 13 - 14 Mar. [EVENT: Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) Aviation Summit] Skukuza, South Africa. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, represented members at the BARSA 2025 Aviation Summit.

• 24 - 28 Feb. [MEETING: SADC Cluster] Harare, Zimbabwe. AASA represented its members at the SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers responsible for Transport, ICT, Information, and Meteorology, focused on reviewing policy frameworks, assessing implementation status, and discussing infrastructure for the North-South Corridor.

• 8 Feb. [ARTICLE: IOL News] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, called for accountability in an article AASA sounds alarm on airline disruptions due to infrastructure issues. A spate of incidents that disrupted airline operations over the summer peak travel season and throughout last month have fuelled frustrations and resulted in AASA renewing its concerns over service delivery from State aviation agencies while airlines bear the brunt to meet commitments to their customers. AASA stated that the incidents are primarily related to the reliability of refuelling infrastructure, electrical power supply, and redundancy systems at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).

• 8 Feb. [ARTICLE: The Star] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, raised urgent concerns over operational disruptions affecting airlines and passengers due to critical infrastructure challenges at major airports in an article Committee to help air traffic services get back on track.

• 6 Feb. [ARTICLE: George Herald] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article AASA sounds alarm on airline disruptions due to infrastructure issues:"The consequences of having to navigate the disruption of flights, also impact farmers exporting perishables, manufacturers meeting contracts, e-commerce, couriers, and healthcare services such as pathology labs, pharmaceutical suppliers, blood banks, and emergency medical services.

• 6 Feb. [ARTICLE: New Era / Namibia] After AASA's media statement expressing renewed concern and frustration regarding a spate of incidents that disrupted airline operations over the summer peak travel season and throughout January. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article Airlines association concerned with aviation infrastructure: “Airlines and passengers pay statutory user charges to the various state aviation agencies for the provision of reliable, safe and efficient as well as affordable services. However, AASA is concerned that ACSA, ATNS as well as SAWS applied to their respective economic regulators for new tariff increases when they have been unable to provide the full range of the services that they have been paid for. At the same time, the airlines are bearing the brunt in terms of ensuring that they meet their commitments to their customers by having to provide alternatives for disrupted operations."

• 6 Feb. [MEETING: SA Government, Department of Transport, ACSA Fuel Forum] AASA represented its members at the ACSA Fuel Forum meeting.

• 5 Feb. [MEETING: SA Government, Department of Transport, SACAA ABC Model Forum] AASA represented its members at a meeting held by SACAA regarding the ABC Model in the SACAA Strategic Plan 2020/21 - 2024/25. 

• 5 Feb. [ARTICLE: George Herald] After AASA issued a media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article Airlines Association says various negatives impact the industry that air traffic services in the country are significantly impacted by the continued suspension of numerous airways and routes between South Africa's major air traffic control zones."Exacerbating this is the shortage of qualified and experienced air traffic controllers and airspace designers worldwide, which has seen aggressive poaching of South African talent away from ATNS." 

• 5 Feb. [ARTICLE: Airspace Africa] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article ACSA addresses fuel and power infrastructure challenges at OR Tambo and Cape Town Airports

• 5 Feb. [ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article 59 million litres of fuel expected to arrive at ORTIA on 6 February

• 4 Feb. [ARTICLE: IOL / Business Report] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article Refuelling infrastructure improvements underway at South African airports

• 3 - 4 Feb. [MEETING: African Union, AFCAC Forum] AASA represented its members at the 8th meeting of the Joint Prioritized Action Plan (JPAP) for SAATM Implementation that took place at the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) focusing on reviewing progress on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

• 2 Feb. [SA Government, Department of Transport: Media Statement] Minister Barbara Creecy and fuels industry stakeholders adopt logistics plan for jet fuel transportation to ORTIA. The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and fuels industry stakeholders such as SASOL and the FIASA have adopted a logistics plan for the transportation of jet fuel secured by the fuels industry last week for the ORTIA. The logistics plan was developed by the ACSA and adopted in the meeting convened by the Minister on 31 January 2025.

• 2 Feb. [ARTICLE: Southern Africa's Travel News] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in Creecy orders urgent ATNS overhaul. 

• 2 Feb. [ARTICLE: Southern Africa's Travel News] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in ACSA warns fuel crisis may persist. 

• 30 Jan. [ARTICLE: TimesLive] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in an article Creecy adopts report that investigated problems with air traffic control. 

• 30 Jan. [ARTICLE: Southern Africa's Travel News] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in SA Weather Service cyber-attack disrupts flight forecasts. 

• 30 Jan. [ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in Will ACSA’s multibillion rand fix end airport woes? 

• 30 Jan. [ARTICLE: Engineering News] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in Regional airlines body again states concern about South Africa’s aviation infrastructure.

• 30 Jan. [ARTICLE: Times Aerospace] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in AASA concerns over South Africa’s aviation infrastructure. 

• 30 Jan. [ARTICLE: Daily Maverick] After AASA's media statement, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was quoted in Aviation experts make ‘damning findings’ against SOE responsible for air traffic in SA skies.

• 30 Jan.  [AASA MEDIA STATEMENT]  AASA's renewed concerns with South Africa’s aviation infrastructure

• 16 Jan. [MEETING: SA Government, Department of Treasury, Carbon Tax Forum] AASA represented its members at a meeting held by the Department of Treasury regarding the Carbon Tax Discussion paper (on 13 November 2024, National Treasury released the Discussion Paper on Phase Two of the South African Carbon Tax).​