The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a deal with Somalia "to deepen and formalise cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation".
"Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous. This agreement aims to realise that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices,” said the IATA's Kamil Alawadhi, who praised Fardowsa Osman Egal, Somalia's transport and aviation minister, for agreeing the deal.
“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia's development plans," the minister said, adding that the government in Mogadishu is "committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country".
"We will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country,” Egal added.
According to the IATA, whose members carry over 80% of the world's air traffic, the deal "provides the framework to support IATA’s mission for aviation in Africa: the creation of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism as well as playing an essential role in supporting the UN SDGs through generating connectivity between nations".