The Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) today joins aviation operators and industry stakeholders from across the globe in observing Civil Aviation Day under this year’s theme, “Shaping the Skies of Tomorrow: Addressing Key Issues and Technologies in Air Navigation and Safety”.
International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO’s 50th anniversary activities. The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
Civil Aviation Day has heightened awareness of the significant role that civil aviation plays in the social and economic development of nations. The global Air Transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and USD 2.7 trillion in global economic activity with over 10 million men and women working within the industry.
ESWACAA is upholding the day’s mandate to reflect on decades of demonstrable advancements in aviation safety and global cooperation. With a specific focus on the relevance of this day to Eswatini, the Authority is celebrating the laudable strides that have been taken in advancing the country’s aviation industry, while amplifying existing opportunities for innovation and industry growth.
ESWACAA’s Director General, Andile Mtetwa-Amaeshi highlighted civil aviation’s positive impact across various sectors and industries. She listed global connectivity, economic growth, and cultural exchange as some of the profound pillars it supported.
“Civil aviation has been a powerful vehicle for connecting nations and cultures, as well as driving tourism and trade through ease of travel. The aviation industry has also stirred businesses, steered innovation, and created employment opportunities thus strengthening the economy of our country. Eswatini is recognized in the global community through the exchange of ideas, traditions, and perspectives,” said Mtetwa-Amaeshi.
ESWATINI’S CARGO POTENTIAL CAN TAKE ECONOMY TO GREATER HEIGHTS
ESWACAA’s Airports Director, Mr. Bongani Lukhele commemorated this day by highlighting the great strides the country has taken in developing the industry which he feels is demonstrated through the development of King Mswati III International Airport (KM III IA).
The development of the airport was a means of positioning Eswatini as a viable air transport service provider for both passenger and cargo transportation. To demonstrate this, Lukhele pointed out that KMIII IA was certified according to the applicable Regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). He also mentioned that the airport had runway, taxi, and ramp infrastructure with enough space to transport cargo to various destinations.
“In today’s interconnected world, the ability to move goods quickly and efficiently is essential for businesses of all sizes. Air cargo transportation has emerged as a critical component of the global supply chain, offering a unique combination of speed, reliability, and security that is unmatched by other modes of transportation” stated Lukhele, emphasizing the role that aviation plays in driving economic growth in a country.
Globally, air transport has become one of the most preferred means of transportation as it offers the following benefits:
- Speed
Air cargo transportation is the fastest mode of transportation, enabling businesses to deliver goods to their customers in the shortest possible time. This is particularly advantageous for perishable goods, high-value items, and time-sensitive shipments.
- Enhanced Reliability
Air freight services are highly reliable, offering consistent schedules and predictable delivery times. Air cargo carriers are subject to stringent safety regulations, ensuring that goods are handled with care and transported securely.
- Global Reach
Air cargo networks span the globe, connecting businesses to virtually any destination in the world.
With the ease of air transportation, and the competitive economic complexities faced by businesses today, ESWACAA invites players in all business sectors in Eswatini to consider air cargo as a crucial enabler for their business success as it will allow them to compete on an international scale.
The Diversification of Eswatini’s Civil Aviation Industry is a good sign of Growth
The reintroduction of Eswatini’s national carrier was warmly welcomed by ESWACAA as it signified the diversification of the industry and was a welcome contribution to transforming the culture of travel in Eswatini while fuelling the economy.
ESWACAA’s Director General, Andile Mtetwa-Amaeshi labelled this as a beacon of hope for the market’s increased uptake for air travel by appreciating its convenience, time efficiency, and safety. She said this was a significant milestone because there is no strong economic development without aviation as it enables the movement of both people and goods by air and the introduction of the new carrier marked the beginning of that in the country.
“For me, the diversification of the industry through the introduction of another carrier is just the beginning in terms of the revival of the aviation market in the country. For an industry that was dormant for a long time, this is a great milestone, and we invite more carriers to consider KMIII IA as a preferred port of entry into Eswatini” expressed Mtetwa-Amaeshi.