Aviation company, Vivajets, has underscored the role of business aviation in fostering regional integration and security in Africa.
This was part of the recent proceedings at the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Third Africa Airforce Forum where the company was a participant and exhibitor.
This year’s forum marked a pivotal moment in the realm of African aerospace, air power, collective security and the momentous 60th anniversary of NAF. The three-day event, consisting of conference and exhibition featured over 20 speakers, air force representatives from over 35 countries and over 40 exhibitors.
Deliberations centred around leveraging strategic partnerships in aerospace innovations for regional security.
Dignitaries at the event lauded the efforts of NAF and called for more cooperation between African countries.
Analysing the evolving security landscape in Africa, the Chief Executive Officer, Vivajets, Chukwuerika Achum, said whilst Africa is facing growing security threats like terrorism, piracy and insurgency, security efforts are hampered by limited state resources and a vast, diverse terrain. This has posed a serious challenge to business connectivity as well.
Business aviation refers to both owned and chartered aircraft uses for various purposes. It is an exclusive aviation segment compared to commercial aviation which offers mass access.
Achum highlighted various areas where business aviation can support military operations: these include troop and equipment transportation, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, border security and humanitarian efforts.
“Vivajets is ready to support Air Forces across Africa with various capabilities.
“As an indigenous African company, we have local knowledge of the continent’s business terrain as well as an international outlook on business. This enables us to provide customized solutions targeted at some challenges specific to Africa,” said Jeane-Claude Kouyo, Vivajets’ Director for Europe, Middle-East and Africa.
In his speech on day one of the event, Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, emphasized the significance of international cooperation and partnership between the NAF and other air forces worldwide. He also stressed the importance of collaboration in enhancing capabilities and effective discharge of the Nigerian Air Force mandate.
“In its 60 years of existence, international cooperation and partnerships have remained a key component of Nigerian Air Force’s interactions with other air forces and international companies, pursuant to enhancing its capabilities and effectiveness in the discharge of its mandate,” Air Marshal HB Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, NAF said.
“Being a highly technical force has made it exigent for the Nigerian Air Force to partner with technologically advanced countries and their resident Original Equipment Manufacturers for the acquisition of necessary platforms and expertise to function. Another area of partnership is in the area of sharing knowledge, experiences and resources with other air forces, through platforms such as the African Air Forces Forum,” he added.