By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) is to hold for the first time in Africa.

The Director-General of IATA, Mr Willie Walsh, said the 37th edition of the conference would take place in Nairobi from May 13 to May 15.

According to Walsh, the IGHC would focus on modernising operations, workforce development investment and strengthening coordination and collaboration to improve performance.

“Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry.

“The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is: “elevate”. We Will be looking for ways to drive better performance in the ground handling sector.

“That means modernising operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so that ground handling can support growth even more efficiently,” Walsh said.

According to him, the conference will be hosted by Kenya Airways.

Walsh said that keynote speakers would include himself, the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr William Samoei Ruto, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka.

According to him, the conference will feature plenary sessions and specialised tracks and workshops which would address ground operations particularly reliability of ground support equipment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola