How EU-Africa collaboration can impact aviation value chains

The CEO of Turkish Airlines, Mehmet Ilker Ayci, believes that fostering collaborations between Europe and Africa is essential for the growth and development of the aviation sector. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Wole Famurewa, Ayci emphasized the significance of such partnerships in bringing much-needed investments into Africa post-pandemic. Ayci highlighted the transformative impact of unified efforts in combating global crises, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that no single nation or continent can thrive independently in the face of such challenges, underscoring the importance of cooperation and mutual support. In this context, he pointed out that Europe, with its advanced economy and numerous SMEs seeking new growth markets, is well-suited to collaborate with rapidly developing Africa, which is eager to attract investments for enhanced prosperity and job creation. The CEO of Turkish Airlines expressed optimism about the potential for growth and expansion in Africa, citing the airline's extensive presence on the continent. Turkish Airlines currently operates in 40 countries with 61 destinations in Africa, positioning itself as the region's top international carrier. Ayci highlighted the airline's commitment to investing in Africa and fostering strong ties with European partners, particularly in countries like Germany. Ayci also underscored the importance of events like summits in facilitating partnerships and business opportunities across different sectors. He emphasized the role of successful collaborations in encouraging further engagement and highlighted Turkey's active involvement in Africa over the past two decades through diplomatic missions and business ventures. As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its operations in Africa, Ayci emphasized the importance of establishing new transportation routes and enhancing connectivity between Africa and Europe. Moreover, Ayci discussed the medium to long-term changes anticipated in the aviation industry as a result of the pandemic. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector, he expressed confidence in its resilience and ability to bounce back. Ayci emphasized the importance of addressing passengers' concerns about safety and hygiene in air travel and highlighted the industry's role in supporting global trade and economic recovery. Looking ahead, Ayci reaffirmed Turkish Airlines' commitment to promoting trade and business ties between Africa and Europe, underlining the airline's readiness to play a significant role in facilitating transportation and cargo services in the region. As the aviation industry adapts to the evolving post-pandemic landscape, Ayci emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth to drive the sector forward.