- Inauguration of ICAO NGAP Summit 2025 in Africa: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy officially opened the first-ever ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit 2025 in Durban, highlighting the event’s significance for Africa.
- Aviation’s Economic and Employment Impact in South Africa: Aviation contributes R105.4 billion to South Africa’s GDP and supports 46,000 jobs, with projections indicating a need for over two million qualified personnel globally by 2030.
- South Africa’s Ambitious Aviation Growth Plans: The country aims to manage 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of freight by 2029, supported by infrastructure upgrades including new cargo terminals and expanded airport connectivity.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has officially opened the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit 2025 in Durban, making it the first time the global aviation skills event hosted in Africa. The summit brings together ministers, regulators, industry leaders, and young professionals to tackle the looming shortage of skilled aviation personnel.
Minister Creecy emphasised that aviation contributes R105.4 billion to South Africa’s GDP and supports 46 000 jobs, with demand for more than two million qualified personnel forecast globally by 2030. She outlined South Africa’s goal to handle 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of freight through the Airports Company South Africa network by 2029, supported by airport upgrades, new cargo terminals, and expanded connectivity.
She stressed that unlocking these opportunities depends on training a new generation of skilled professionals. Programmes by the Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, and Air Traffic Navigation Services provide bursaries, internships, and learnerships for careers in piloting, engineering, air traffic control, and airport management, with a focus on gender equity and inclusion of disadvantaged youth.
Creecy highlighted partnerships with the South African Air Force, SAPS Air Wing, airlines, and non-profits like Sakhikamva Foundation and Girl Fly Programme in Africa, as well as collaborations with universities to align training with industry needs.
Internationally, South Africa serves on the steering group of the Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce with countries including Brazil, Japan, and the UK, working to address global workforce challenges. The summit will run for three days, focusing on strategies to build skills, strengthen Africa’s aviation competitiveness, and create sustainable career pathways for youth.
