Speaker Profiles

Opening Remarks

Future Developments & Prospects for the SADC Tourism Industry
Honourable Minister Ms. Lindiwe Sisulusi South African Government, Minister of Tourism

Honourable Minister Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu was appointed as Minister of Tourism on 5 August 2021. She was Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation from 30 May 2019 to 5 August 2021. She was Minister of International Relations and Cooperation from 27 February 2018 to 25 May 2019. She was the Minister of Human Settlements of the Republic of South Africa from 26 May 2014 until 26 February 2018.

Ms. Sisulu has been a Member of Parliament since 1994. She has been chairperson of the Inaugural of the African Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development since 2005. She is member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) and a member of the National Working Committee of the ANC. She was a trustee of the South African Democracy Education Trust; trustee of the Albertina and Walter Sisulu Trust; and a member of the Board of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Academic Qualifications

Ms. Sisulu completed her General Certificate of Education (GCE) Cambridge University Ordinary Level at St Michael’s School in Swaziland in 1971, and GCE Cambridge University Advanced Level in 1973, also in Swaziland. She holds a Master of Arts degree in History from the Centre for Southern African Studies of the University of York and an M Phil also from the Centre for Southern African Studies of the University of York obtained 1989 with the thesis topic: ‘’Women at Work and the Liberation Struggle in South Africa.’’ She also holds a BA degree, a BA Honours degree in History and a Diploma in Education from the University of Swaziland.

Career/Positions/Memberships/Other Activities

Between 1975 and 1976, Ms. Sisulu was detained for political activities. She subsequently joined Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) and worked for underground structures of the ANC while in exile from 1977 to 1978. In 1979, she received military training specialising in military intelligence.

In 1981, Ms. Sisulu taught at Manzini Central High School in Swaziland and in 1982, she lectured at the Department of History of the University of Swaziland. From 1985 to 1987, she taught at Manzini Teachers Training College and she was a chief examiner of History for Junior Certificate Examinations for Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. In 1983, she worked as sub-editor for The Times of Swaziland in Mbabane.

In 1992, Ms. Sisulu became a consultant for the National Children’s Right Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation. In 1993, she worked as director of the Govan Mbeki Research Fellowship at the University of Fort Hare and from 2000 to 2002, she served as head of the Command Centre for Emergency Reconstruction.

Ms. Sisulu was awarded the Human Rights Centre Fellowship in Geneva in 1992. Her project for the United Nations Centre resulted in the University of the Witwatersrand School of Business setting up a training course to upgrade the policing skills of MK members. She received a Presidential Award for the Breaking New Ground in Housing Delivery Strategy by the Institute for Housing of South Africa in 2004; In 2005, she received an award from the International Association for Housing Science in recognition of outstanding contributions and achievement towards improving and solving the world’s housing problems.

AASA CEO Industry Address
Mr. Aaron Munetsi AASA CEO

Mr. Aaron Munetsi currently serves as the CEO of AASA. Prior to joining AASA, he held several commercial management positions at South African Airways (SAA), including Regional Manager for Africa and the Middle East, and as its Acting Chief Commercial Officer.

For 10 years, he served on the board of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Business. After leaving SAA in 2018, he joined the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) for a stint as its Director: Government, Legal and Industry Affairs. He has year's of experience as an aeropolitical and business strategy advisor to airlines.

Aaron holds diplomas and certificates in marketing, strategic management and leadership from the University of Zimbabwe, University of Witwatersrand Graduate Business School and the Gordon Institute for Business Studies.

Conference Host CEO / Airline CEO's in Dialogue
Mr. Rodger Foster AASA Executive Team / Airlink CEO

Mr. Rodger Foster currently serves on AASA’s Executive Committee. He is also the CEO and MD of SA Airlink (Pty) Limited Group of Companies trading as Airlink, since June 1992 to the present (over 30 years).

Co-founding shareholder of Airlink which commenced business on 12 June 1992. Current shareholder of 23% of Airlink’s issued shares.

As Southern Africa’s leading airline, Airlink provides comprehensive, safe, and reliable air transportation services, enabling socio-economic development by connecting people with each other and facilitating trade within the region and beyond.

Airlink is a regional airline with the most comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa, incorporating large cities and smaller communities. Airlink has strong commercial ties with the world’s leading airlines and as such Airlink has a propensity to provide interline connectivity within its own network and between its network and the air transportation systems of its partners.

Airlink employs over 1,750 staff and flies to more than 55 destinations throughout SADC. Airlink carries more than 3,000,000 passengers annually on over 70,000 flights using a fleet of 55 aircraft.

Airlink is privately owned.

Rodger is a past Chairman of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), with multiple terms of office.

Rodger holds a Bachelor of Science in Building, Faculty of Architecture, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Rodger is a keen golfer (a member of the Riverclub) and pilots Vintage De Havilland Tiger Moth, Beechcraft King Air B200, and Hawker 400XP. He is a licensed CPL, fixed wing multi engine, IFR.

Chairperson's Welcome / Airline CEO's in Dialogue
Mr. Elmar Conradie AASA Chairperson / Safair CEO

Mr. Elmar Conradie serves as the CEO of Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd / FlySafair. He has been with the company since 2005, when he started as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), before taking over the reins as CEO in 2015.

Before joining Safair, Elmar’s experience includes serving as Group CFO at Aergo Capital Limited; as the Aviation Division Group CFO at Imperial Group; and as an analyst at Macquarie.

Elmar graduated with a B.Compt Honours (Cum Laude) from the University of the Free State (UFS). He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (ISACA); and a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

AASA Governance

Auditor's Report, Financial Statements, 2022/2023 Budget & Annual Subscriptions for Airline & Associate Members
Mr. Vivendra Lochan AASA COO

Mr. Vivendra (Vees) Lochan serves as the Chief Operating Officer at AASA. He has gained extensive knowledge and experience in the aviation industry over the past 40 years.

Vees spent a considerable amount of time at South African Airways (SAA) where he held positions in Sales and Marketing, Africa Route Management Division; and headed SAA offices in the Middle East and Gulf, as well as the Indian Sub-continent. In August 2010, Vees joined AASA as Chief Operating Officer. AASA is the SADC airline representative Association dealing with strategic, aeropolitical, regulatory, policy, financial and operational issues affecting its members. He represents AASA and its membership on regulatory committees and industry forums.

Vees, is an Alternate Director, Chairperson of the Risk Committee and Audit Committee member of Aviation Coordination Services Limited, a company responsible for several airport services managed on behalf of all airlines operating in South Africa.

Ms. Dipuo Peters, then South African Minister of Transport, appointed Vees in January 2015 to serve as a member of the Transport Sector Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Charter Council representing the Domestic Aviation sub-sector.

Vees represents AASA on a number of government committees and is a member of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Regulations Committee (CARCom) that advises the Minister of Transport. He also serves as Treasurer and Director of the Wonders of Aviation NPC, a non-profit initiative established to promote aviation awareness and careers to the previously disadvantaged youth of South Africa.

Vees holds a BCom in Business Economics and Economics, and an MBA from the University of Durban-Westville.

Programme Director
Ms. Regomoditswe Isis Khoele Fireblade Aviation, Commercial Pilot

Ms. Regomoditswe Isis Khoele serves as a Commercial Pilot at Fireblade Aviation, a private charter company based at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. She co-pilots the Single Engine Turbo-Prop Pilatus PC12NG, as well as the Twin Engine Turbo-Prop Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft, from Johannesburg to luxurious destinations around South Africa and Africa.

In 2014, Regomoditswe obtained her Frozen ATPL at 43 Air School and has recently logged over 2000 hours of flight time. She has been part of the aviation industry for over 10 years and has passion, not only for aviation, but for lifting others as she rises. Her NGO-volunteer work includes being:

A mentor for Southern African Woman in Aviation (SAWIA) between 2013 and 2016. She was tasked with mentoring young girls in Grades 10 to 12 about careers in aviation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
A pilot for Flying for Life that assists in uplifting rural communities by flying to remote areas with much needed supplies, doctors, nurses and teachers.
A Director at the Kutitiva Foundation, an NGO that assists underprivileged youth to know themselves, and discover their strengths and talents to build their futures.

Regomoditswe is also a motivational speaker and Social Media influencer. She documents and posts her flying endeavours and adventures on her Instagram page to inspire and motivate potential pilots to follow a career in aviation. She has also create an aviation-focused YouTube Channel called "The Aviator_ Pilot Rego", in which she shares her story and information on pursuing a career in aviation. She was selected as a participant in the inspirational BMW South Africa Ascending Voices series.

Regomoditswe and her husband, Modise Kagiso Khoele, founded RDK CREATORS, a digital content creation company for brands on their social media platforms.

Opening Remarks

Africa's Aviation Future: Aligned & Progressive
Ms. Angeline Simana AFCAC, Director of Air Transport

Ms. Angeline Simana is the Director of Air Transport with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC). She holds an M. Phil (Transport and Logistics) with the University of Stellenbosch and an Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree; with majors in Economics and Management Science with the University of Namibia.

Angeline started her career with the Ministry of Works and Transport as a Transport Economist in 2000 and was subsequently promoted to Deputy Director Transportation Policy in 2006 and Director Transportation Policy and Regulation in 2007. Her appointment as the Director of Civil Aviation concurrently with that of the Director of Transportation Policy, marked one of the most significant opportunities for her professional growth, awareness of self and self-knowledge of her God-given propensity to influence her private and public life and workspace for the common good of society.

Angeline is confident that her management experience and academic training as a Transport Economist will be an invaluable asset to contribute to the execution of AFCAC’s mandate as the Executing Agency of the Yamousskrou Decision (YD) across Africa with AU States joining the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). She has seized opportunities in her former capacities in the public sphere to advocate for educational as well as career development of academically gifted Namibians to pursue their training as aviation professionals and hope for opportunities to influence the same at continental level.

Angeline works towards the elimination of barriers that hamper the implementation of the YD. This, she believes, would wherever possible enable AU States to invest in citizens capabilities to provide for themselves in changing circumstances and to flourish socially and economically.

Opening Remarks

African Airlines Future: Overview
Mr. Abderahmane Berthe AFRAA, Secretary General

Mr. Abderahmane Berthe is the Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Before joining AFRAA, he served as CEO for Air Mali and Air Burkina. He has over 28 years’ experience in the airline industry and a total of 16 years as an airline CEO. He built his career at various airlines and multicultural environments, both in Europe and Africa, at positions such as aircraft performance and dispatch engineering, maintenance and operations quality, and ground operations.

Abderahmane holds a Master of Science from the French Civil Aviation School in Toulouse (1987); a Master of Science from the French Aeronautical and Space School in Toulouse (1988), and a Master's in Business from the Business Institute of Toulouse (1989). He is also a licensed private pilot (1985) for single engine aircrafts.

Opening Remarks

Airlines: Resilience and Growth in Uncertain Times
Mr. Kamil Al-Awadhi IATA, Regional Vice-President AME

Mr. Kamil Al-Awadhi is the Regional Vice-President for Africa & Middle East (AME) for the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Kamil represents IATA in 68 countries, serving 57 airlines across AME. He leads the execution of IATA’s global strategic priorities at the regional level and advocates on behalf of industry to maintain global safety levels, enhance connectivity particularly across Africa, to reduce costs for airlines and to ensure the sustainability of air transport in the region.

He works hand in hand with regional partners such as AACO, ACAO, AFCAC, AFRAA, and ICAO regional offices towards the advancement of air transport as a social and economic enabler and driver in the region.

Prior to joining IATA, Kamil was the CEO of Kuwait Airways and held various key positions at the airline in the areas of safety, security, quality management and enterprise resource planning over his 31 year career in the aviation industry.

A national of Kuwait, Al Awadhi holds an MBA in Aerospace Management from the Toulouse Business School and an Engineering degree in Aircraft Maintenance Management from Air Service Training (AST) in the UK.

Industry Leaders in Dialogue

Delivering through Partnerships: Co-operation, Collaboration & Commitment
Moderator
Ms. Khangi Khoza Swissport (SA), CEO

Ms. Khangi Khoza is the first woman appointed as CEO of Swissport (South Africa), which provides airport ground services and cargo handling. An experienced economist with a demonstrated history of working in the public and private sector, she worked in the banking sector before becoming involved in international relations at the Swiss embassy in Pretoria as an economic adviser.

Khangi has experience in the public and private finance sectors, and she holds a Master's degree in Economics from Stellenbosch University.

Industry Leaders in Dialogue

Delivering through Partnerships: Co-operation, Collaboration & Commitment
Panelist
Ms. Poppy Khoza SACAA, Director of Civil Aviation / ICAO, President

Ms. Poppy Khoza is the Director of Civil Aviation at South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). On 28 September 2022, she was elected as President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Poppy has over 20 years’ experience in the civil aviation industry and over 18 years’ experience in senior management positions. She was reappointed for a second five-year term as Director of Civil Aviation (CEO) at the SACAA, effective from 01 December 2018. She is the first woman to have occupied this position since the inception of the SACAA.

Poppy served for two years consecutively as the first woman Chairperson of the UN Agency’s International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Aviation Security Panel. Prior to becoming the Chairperson, she had served 2 years as Deputy Chairperson.

Poppy is a recipient of many accolades including the Aviation Sector and Regional Leader Award, Best Chief Executive Officer Awards, Top Empowered Business Leader, Public Service Leader of the year, Winner as South Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government in the Agencies and Regulatory Authorities category. She was also recognised internationally for her contribution to Aviation Safety and Security by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development. Recently she received recognition by the African Civil Aviation Commission for her contribution to the development of civil aviation in Africa.

Poppy is the first recipient of the Gloria Heath Trophy, which recognises a woman for notable achievements in civil aviation, awarded to her by the Flight Safety Foundation in June 2022. She was selected to receive the award from an accomplished group of nominees, because of her leadership and the achievements of the SACAA during her tenure, and for her role in promoting gender diversity in international aviation.

Under Poppy’s stewardship, the SACAA scooped the Best Performing Institution in Transport Award on four (4) occasions, making the SACAA the only entity to have received this prestigious accolade. The SACAA has achieved seven clean audits over eight financial years and also received six awards from the Auditor-General of South Africa for clean audit outcomes. The entity was also bestowed with the Top Performing Public Service Award and was declared a Winner in the category of Investing in People at the National Business Awards. Furthermore, the SACAA is the recipient of an award as a Transformation Champion at the Oliver Top Empowerment Awards.

Under Poppy’s leadership, the SACAA continues to make strides in improving aviation safety and security in South Africa.

Poppy has championed the transformation of the SACAA, and it now boasts 45% capable women executives, 51% female employees and 89% Black employees in the organisation. She was also instrumental in the initiative to host the first-ever Global Aviation Gender Summit that was hosted in August 2018 in South Africa, in collaboration with ICAO, UNESCO and UN Women.

Poppy is passionate about meaningful change and aspires to provide good leadership in the aviation sector.

Industry Leaders in Dialogue

Delivering through Partnerships: Co-operation, Collaboration & Commitment
Panelist
Ms. Nozipho Mdawe ATNS, CEO

Ms. Nozipho Mdawe is the CEO of Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS). A former Acting CEO at Transnet National Ports Authority, she is an accomplished executive and leader with over 28 years of professional working experience. She has a strong history of orchestrating operational excellence in the freight, maritime, aviation, mining, logistics and supply chain industries, and is one of the Top 100 Most Influential Supply Chain Women in Africa.

Nozipho holds a number of academic qualifications, including an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Her aspirations are to resume her doctoral studies which she has deferred. She completed the Global Executive Development Programme from the Gordon Institute of Business Science in 2012. Before then, she acquired an Advanced Strategic Management Programme (IMD, Switzerland); Transnet Executive Women Development Programme in Operations & Logistics Management from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Management Advanced Programme from Wits Business School.

Nozipho has received several accolades. Among them are, being appointed the first black trainee Geology Technician at BhP Billiton (the then Gencor); successful introduction of a Transnet Value Chain Coordinator (TVCC) Approach (a model adopted from Australia); the first woman to be appointed as Secretary General for THE Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) and Executive Secretary for the Pan African Association of Port Corporation (PAPCI); improved and retained PMAESA membership of the 25 member countries. Introduced a revised funding model for PMAESA; implemented collaborative initiatives and introduced Port Awards for Eastern and Southern African Ports. Formed part of various continental and international committees in the maritime; improved safety, operational efficiencies and reduced the cost of business through the implementation of Lean Six Sigma.

Industry Leaders in Dialogue

Delivering through Partnerships: Co-operation, Collaboration & Commitment
Panelist
Ms. Toska Sem NCAA, Executive Director

Ms. Toska Sem is the Executive Director of Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). An experienced senior executive and effective team member who is a highly accomplished business administrator. Her expertise is complemented with more than 10 years of commercial services experience, organisational development, strategic management, and project management.

Prior to her current role, Toska worked at the Namibia Airport Company for over 18 years in roles such as Airport Manager, Organisational Strategy Executive and Commercial Services Executive.

Toska serves as a Board Member of Namibia’s National Housing Enterprises; Deputy Chairperson of the Gambling Board of Namibia; and is a Public Procurement Review Panel Member.

Toska holds an MBA and completed the Executive Development Programme (EDP) from Stellenbosch University, a Bachelor Degree in Economics from the University of Namibia, and a Diploma in Airport Management from the Airports Council International (ACI).

Industry Leaders in Dialogue

Delivering through Partnerships: Co-operation, Collaboration & Commitment
Panelist
Ms. Jacyntha Twynam Wesgro, CAO

Ms. Jacyntha Twynam is currently Wesgro’s Chief Assurance Officer (CAO), and lead on strategic projects at Wesgro such as Cape Town Air Access and the Cape Health Tech Initiative.

Jacyntha has over 15 years of experience working within the public sector focusing on strategic economic initiatives, business development and economic analysis. She has work extensively in the space of inter-governmental as well as public-private sector collaboration.

Jacyntha has led the development and implementation of strategic catalytic economic projects for Wesgro (and in so doing the Western Cape). These include the Saldanha Bay IDZ, Atlantis SEZ, Cape Town Air Access, Cruise Cape Town, and the Cape Health Technology Park.

Jacyntha has also spent 5 years of her career as an economist focusing on international trade, ultimately heading up Wesgro’s Research unit, making a significant contribution to the area of market intelligence for exporters and investors within the context Western Cape.

Jacyntha holds holds a LLM in Commercial Law from University of Cape Town (UCT) and a MCom in International Trade from the University of North-West.

Industry Leaders in Dialogue

Delivering through Partnerships: Co-operation, Collaboration & Commitment
Panelist
Mr. Terence Delomoney ACSA, Group Executive: Operations Management

Mr. Terence Delomoney is the Group Executive: Operations Management for Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). He was born and educated in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. He is a Charted Accountant by profession and obtained his Postgraduate Degree in Accounting from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

He has been with Airports Company South Africa since January 2000 and headed up several strategic portfolios i.e., Finance and Commercial, Support Services: Commercial, Projects, Engineering, and IT and Airport Operations.

Major projects at Durban International and National Airports have been completed during his leadership; consisting of upgrades of terminals and bulk infrastructure; pavement rehabilitations (runways, aprons, public parking areas); several commercial developments; and the building of the Greenfields Kings Shaka International Airport with the successful relocation of the old Durban International Airport in 2010. He and his team have been the catalysts in turning some of these non-profit airports into profit-making facilities.

Terence is an Executive member of Airports Company South Africa. He served as the Chairman of the Socio and Enterprise Development Committee; he further held seats as an Executive Board member on the La Mercy Joint Venture Company Board, the Board of The Kwazulu-Natal Tourism Authority (TKZN), the Marketing and Tourism Development Committee (TKZN), the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Board and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Route Development Committee.

He seeks active collaboration amongst stakeholders to enhance the aviation, commercial, and tourism aspects of Airports Company South Africa’s owned and managed Airports.

Tourism Highlight Session

Tourism Growth & Strategic Regional Alignment Initiatives
Moderator
Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa TBCSA, CEO

Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa is the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). Tshifhiwa is a strategic, versatile and innovative marketing, tourism, communications and business executive. His experience spans 20 years, with a track record of visionary leadership, strategic project development and execution, travel and tourism events management and communications.

Tshifhiwa holds an MSc in International Business, Leadership, and Management from the University of York, Bachelor of Business Administration on Marketing Communications (Institute of Marketing Management) Diploma in Marketing (Institute of Marketing Management) and a National Diploma in Tourism Management (University of Johannesburg).

In the 20 years since his first foray into the world of work, Tshifhiwa has worked for various companies in the tourism value chain including South African Tourism, Myriad Marketing, FEDHASA, Rennies Travel, SARS and others. He has also consulted for various companies.

Tshifhiwa has also served as a member of Tourism Transformation Council, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and currently serves on the global Board of Advisors for “The Sigmund Project” which supports innovation and collaboration in Tourism across the globe.

Tshifhiwa has positioned himself as a thought leader and advocate for the South African tourism sector. He is an ambassador for tourism development in South Africa and Africa. He regularly writes, debates and comments on tourism development and growth in South Africa.

Tourism Highlight Session

Tourism Growth & Strategic Regional Alignment Initiatives
Panelist
Mr. Kwakye Donkor ATP, CEO

Mr. Kwakye Donkor is the CEO of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), a Pan-African tourism development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm and an UNWTO award-winning firm. He is a renowned Pan-African strategist and expert in areas of tourism development, strategic and destination marketing, destination brand management and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition/Events). He is a recognised and highly respected personality in Africa tourism space, and speaks at global conferences, seminars and think tank fora.

Kwakye has demonstrated expertise in destination master planning as well as strategy formulation and execution, business transactional advisory and leadership development worldwide across education, finance, and hotel development. His expertise and experience have earned him the privilege to regularly serve on expert panels and think tank fora facilitated by international organizations including UNWTO, AU, SADC, The World Bank Group, GIZ, BBC, CNBC Africa, Channel Africa, ENCA, SABC and others across Africa.

He is the convener of the annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards, Africa MICE Masterclass, Africa Youth in Tourism Summit and Africa Women in Tourism Summit series.

Tourism Highlight Session

Tourism Growth & Strategic Regional Alignment Initiatives
Panelist
Ms. Achma Asokan API, CEO

Ms. Achma Asokan is the CEO of AirlinePros International (API). Achma’s passion for aviation was inherited from her father, who had worked with the Royal Air Force, the Indian Airforce and the Zambian Air Force, where he trained many of the recruits in the newly formed Air Force in the newly independent Zambia.

In the era after she graduated, the only career in aviation that welcomed women was the cabin crew department, which was not approved by her father. So Achma began her working life as a travel agent before joining Air Namibia in Windhoek, where she started her life as an Interline Accounts Supervisor and gradually worked her way up to become the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary. Her years at Air Namibia, is what she considers her ‘most formative years’ as she says that she had four additional jobs, as a wife, a mother to her son and daughter, a housekeeper, and a student!

She joined Air Seychelles at their headquarters in Victoria as the Chief Internal Auditor, which consolidated her knowledge of the airline business. “Working with small international airlines gave me insights into the entire length, breadth and width of the business” says Achma. “This prepared me for the bigger roles I was to play eventually in my working life.” Thereafter, she got the opportunity to realize her dream to work for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as Senior Internal Auditor, enlightening her into the macro-economic workings of the global aviation industry. After some years with IATA, her continuous yearning to learn more made her move to USA to work with American Express as Director, Enterprise Risk Management.

Thus, after having traveled far and wide, amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge on the workings of the airline industry inside out, Achma decided it was time to do something of her own. She co-founded AirlinePros, which offers a wide range of services to the airline industry. AirlinePros today is an award-winning global leader providing airline and travel representation, distribution, and commercial solutions with over 70 airline clients and more than 40 global locations.

A Fellow of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) from the UK, Achma is also an MBA from the University of Manchester.

Tourism Highlight Session

Tourism Growth & Strategic Regional Alignment Initiatives
Panelist
Mr. Joe Montebedi Motse HATAB, Chairperson

Mr. Joe Montebedi Motse is the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB). HATAB is the leading voice in the hospitality and tourism industry in Botswana with its membership contributing to over 70% to Botswana tourism sector. The association represents 8 sub-sectors namely Airline, Air Charter, Camps & Lodges, Conservation, Hotels, Mobile Operators, Services and Tour Operators.

An accomplished Executive with domestic and international experience, with over 25 years in communications and the travel and tourism industry. Currently serving as a board member of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), and is a former member of the Board of Directors at Air Botswana. He has previously held senior position at Botswana Tourism Board as the Founding Marketing Manager, Cresta Hospitality as the Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Air Botswana as the Commercial Director and at Debswana Diamond Company as Communications Manager, Orapa Letlhakane Mines at Head Office as the Group Internal Communications Manager.

Joe has attended several international Air Transport Association Aviation Courses (IATA).

Joe is the Founder and General Manager of Transjoe Investments, a parent company of Transjoe Tours and Market Linkz (Sales and Marketing Representation and Business Training Company).

Aviation and the Environment

Environment - our Mutual World: Co-existence Considerations for Aviation
Moderator
Dr. Ian Cruickshank AASA, Environment and Wildlife Specialist

Dr. Ian Cruickshank has been involved in aviation for over 25 years with more than a decade spent in the aviation sustainability space. Ian was responsible for the only sustainable aviation fuelled flights in Africa and has worked extensively with IATA and industry experts on a host of environmental sustainability projects and issues. Ian currently works as the transport taskforce manager for United for Wildlife, an initiative of the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, consults for airlines on sustainability, trains on behalf of IATA on sustainability, and is the AASA environmental and wildlife specialist.

Aviation and the Environment

Environment - our Mutual World: Co-existence Considerations for Aviation
Panelist
Mr. Hussein Dabbas Embraer, GM Institutional Affairs

Mr. Hussein Dabbas is the General Manager - Africa & Middle East at Embraer. Before joining Embraer, Hussein spent four years as IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa & Middle East based in Amman – Jordan. His responsibilities included working with airline Executives and Directors of Civil Aviation to push for a more secure and safe industry through the implementation of the IATA safety standards.

Prior to joining IATA, Hussein spent three years as President and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines having spent over thirty years with the airline in senior roles, including Vice President Commercial and Services and Regional Director for the USA.

Aviation and the Environment

Environment - our Mutual World: Co-existence Considerations for Aviation
Panelist
Mr. Herb W. Wallen Boeing, Commercial Sales Director (AME0

Mr. Herb Wallen currently serves in the role of Executive Director, Commercial Sales with customer account responsibilities in the Middle East and Africa (AME) Sales Region at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Over his 30+ years career at The Boeing Company he held leadership roles in Sales & Marketing, Program Management and Engineering.

Herb received his MBA from the Michael G. Foster School of Business, University of Washington, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University.

Aviation and the Environment

Environment - our Mutual World: Co-existence Considerations for Aviation
Panelist
Mr. Corrin Higgs Airbus, Environment & Sustainability Marketing Director

Mr. Corrin Higgs joined Airbus in the UK in 1997 as an engineer, subsequently working from France and Dubai. Various marketing and product development roles have enabled him to share the voice of diverse customers within his organisation.

Corrin is now raising awareness on the challenges and solutions to the industry's decarbonisation objective.

Airline CEO's in Dialogue

Non-negotiable Imperatives for a Resilient Industry
Moderator
Mr. Emanuel José da Conceição Chaves ACI Africa, President

Mr. Emanuel Chaves is the President of Airport Council International Africa (ACI Africa). He previously served as CEO of Mozambique Airports (Aeroportos de Moçambique) from April 2013 to February 2022.

Emanuel's experience at Mozambique Airports, started as Director of Airport Operations in 2005, moving to Executive Board member to Deputy Chairperson (from 2009 to 2013), and culminating as Chairperson and CEO.

Emanuel has over 34 year's experience in civil aviation, and over 20 year's of lecturing and consulting in economics and leadership in the civil aviation sector. From 2006 to 2016 he lectured at the Saint Tomas University of Mozambique and the Pedagogic University of Mozambique. Since 2017 he has lectured at the High Education Institute of Transport and Communications.

Emanuel holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees in Economics and management from the Catholic University of Mozambique, and an Aerospace MBA from Toulouse Business School in France. He is currently enrolled as a Doctoral student in Development studies at the Apolitecnica University of Mozambique.

Airline CEO's in Dialogue

Non-negotiable Imperatives for a Resilient Industry
Panelist
Professor John Lamola SAA, Interim Chairperson and CEO

Professor John Lamola is the Interim Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways (SAA). He retains the position of Associate Professor of Philosophy of Technology at the University of Johannesburg. Professor Lamola obtained his PhD from Edinburgh University and an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His service in the aviation industry includes position of CEO at Denel Aviation Transport Aircraft Maintenance (DATAM), Principal Consultant at Baji Aviation Services, and a non-executive Directorship (2012-2017) of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). He was appointed Chairman of the Board of SAA in July 2021.

Airline CEO's in Dialogue

Non-negotiable Imperatives for a Resilient Industry
Panelist
Mr. João Carlos Pó Jorge LAM, General Director

Mr. João Carlos Pó Jorge currently serves as an AASA Executive Committee member, and is the General Director of Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), SA.

João Carlos’ professional career began in 1985, at LAM, where he joined the staff as a Mechanical Engineer. He served as Head of the Engineering Department in 1987. He was later appointed to coordinate the connection between LAM and the manufacturers, having been LAM’s Resident Representative at Boeing (United States Of America), from 1990 to 1993.

After completing this stage of work, he returned to LAM Headquarters, in Maputo, where he assumed the role of Chief Of Engineering and Quality, from 1993 to 1995, a period in which he streamlined aircraft planning and engineering, flight operation Engineering, accident investigation, design, implementation and certification of aircraft modification programs, among other activities.

With the experience gained and maximizing contacts with outside entities, he accepted the challenge of joining the team of Pratt & Whitney, a North American firm dedicated to the manufacture of aircraft engines, where he was Customer Support Manager in Africa, from 1995 to 2013.

During this period, he worked in the United States Of America, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Ethiopia, having demonstrated himself in setting up offices in remote locations; coordinate top management improvement actions for airlines in Africa, in the Operational, Commercial and Financial areas, negotiation of acquisition contracts including aircraft leasing, as well as engines; intermediation of commercial contracts between airlines; detailed accident investigation and design and implementation of recommendations; introduction of airline management tools in Africa.

João Carlos participated in the restructuring of airlines both to correct irregular situations and to expand, as are the cases of Air Zimbabwe, TACV, TAAG, Air Afrique, Air Senegal, AeroZambia, and Ethiopian Airlines. It supports Behavior Management initiatives to improve work performance.

His career abroad would be interrupted in 2013 when he was invited to join the Board of Directors of LAM, having been Technical Operational Administrator until 2016. Later he was appointed Advisor to the Financial Administrator, a role he held until his appointment to position of General Director of LAM.