The International Air Transport Association (IATA) are organising their 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC). The conference is taking place from 13-15 May, in Nairobi, Kenya, and is hosted by Kenya Airways. The event marks a notable change in the aviation sector – held for the first time in Africa, and with a focus on people, processes and performance.
New Focus – People, Processes and Performance
IATA have announced that this year’s IGHC will focus on investing in the workforce to encourage development, modernising operations to streamline processes, and strengthening coordination and collaboration to improve performance.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said:
“Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is ‘elevate.’
This centrepoint will be explored in plenary sessions, specialised tracks and workshops which will cover ground operations, baggage operations, and collaboration and innovation.
The reliability of hydrogen-powered Ground Support Equipment (GSE), real-time baggage tracking, and upcoming ground handling regulations are a few of the topics that the conference will delve into. Among the keynote speakers at the event will be the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto; IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh; and the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka.
New Host – Kenya, Africa
The IGHC 2025 is being hosted in Nairobi, Africa, by Kenya Airlines. This is the first time the event is being held in Africa, marking a shift towards increased global inclusivity and development. The latest host country also demonstrates IATA’s commitment to the collaborative Focus Africa initiative which seeks to use the aviation sector to promote greater networks and economic development in Africa. The scheme highlights the key areas of safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance and distribution, sustainaibility, and future skills.
Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways commented:
“As Africa’s aviation leader, Kenya Airways is honoured to pioneer this landmark event. Hosting IGHC aligns with our mission to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase Africa’s readiness to shape the future of global air travel. Hosting IGHC 2025 in Kenya reaffirms our commitment to advancing the industry—both domestically and continentally—to unlock prosperity and connectivity.”
Sharing similar sentiment, President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto said:
“Aviation opens a world of economic and social development opportunities, and aviation’s greatest potential is to make a real difference to the prosperity of people in Africa. Welcoming and supporting the IGHC in Kenya is an example of the importance that Kenya places on the aviation sector and the expectations that we have for it as a sector leading development in Kenya and across the continent.”
Recognising the significance of the aviation sector in driving forward change, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto has also extended IGHC invitations to regulators and aviation authorities from across the African continent.
What do you think the IGHC 2025 will mean for developments in ground handling across the world, and in helping to encourage growth across Africa? Let us know in the comments.
