Kenya Airways to Host Landmark IATA Ground Handling Conference, a First for Africa
Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier and a leading player in Africa’s aviation industry, is set to make history as it hosts the prestigious 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi from 13th to 15th May 2025.
This marks the first time the high-profile aviation summit will be held on the African continent.The announcement is a major boost for Kenya’s stature as a regional aviation hub and underscores Africa’s growing significance in the global air transport sector.
The conference is expected to attract global stakeholders and will focus on modernizing ground operations, workforce development, and enhancing collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.
Among the key speakers lined up for the event are President William Ruto, IATA Director General Willie Walsh, and Kenya Airways Group MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka.
“All eyes will be on Nairobi as we host the IGHC for the first time in Africa,” said Kilavuka.
“This milestone event reflects our commitment to driving innovation, building meaningful partnerships, and positioning Africa as a major player in shaping the future of global aviation. It is also a testament to Kenya Airways’ pivotal role in advancing connectivity and prosperity across the continent.”
Willie Walsh emphasized the significance of ground handling in the aviation value chain, saying, “The key word this year is ‘elevate’. From modernizing operations to workforce investment and stronger collaboration, the IGHC will explore strategic avenues to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience in ground handling.”
The conference will cover a broad range of topics including innovations in ground support equipment, adoption of hydrogen-powered GSE, advancements in baggage tracking technologies, and strategies for enhancing airport-handler cooperation.
Delegates will also engage with insights under IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, aimed at fostering sustainable aviation development on the continent.
Hosting the IGHC not only positions Kenya at the forefront of regional aviation but also signals a new chapter for African air transport as it gains recognition on the global stage.
