AfBAA more than doubles membership in a year
The discussions between AfCAC Secretariat and AfBAA at Aviation Africa 2025 result in a memorandum of understanding.
The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has more than doubled its membership a year on from electing new leadership.
In May 2025 AfBAA elected Dawit Lemma, MD of Krimson Aviation, as its new chairperson, since then the association’s membership has grown to 55, including returning former members.
A new uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) committee has been formed. The association has also established an Operators Committee and bolstered the Safety and Training Committee.
Close ties with both regional and international bodies have been established, according to AfBAA. In a meeting with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) it was agreed AFCAC will represent business aviation interests at national CAAs and external agencies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“This was a breakthrough discussion, and we are delighted that the AFCAC can better support us in conversations with government and regulatory bodies. This cooperation will benefit all African aviation stakeholders, not just the individual organisations,” said Lemma.
AfBAA has also signed agreements with the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA) and the Airlines Association of South Africa (AASA).
“Communication between the associations is essential for us all to build knowledge, intelligence and understanding,” said Lemma. “As well as the agreements with African bodies, we are working with the National Business Aviation Association and the International Business Aviation Council to encourage members to adopt the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations and the International Standard for Business Aviation Handlers.”
Craig Middleton, AfBAA vice chairperson, added: “AfBAA acts as a bridge, adapting global frameworks to local conditions for effective implementation, which will boost the sector’s safety, efficiency and growth across the continent.
“We are proud to have fulfilled the promises we made when we took up responsibilities in May 2025. We have made great progress on all our set priorities and, thanks to feedback from our growing membership, have highlighted areas of concern and improvement for the next 12 months.”
