The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Namibia (AOPA Namibia) has received international recognition at the 31st World Assembly of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), recently held in Bad Homburg, Germany.
AOPA Namibia received an award for its “Exceptional support and dedication to the international general aviation community.”
The award recognises the association's sustained work in representing aircraft owners and pilots, promoting proportionate aviation regulation, protecting access to airspace and aviation infrastructure, and supporting the continued development of general aviation in Namibia and the wider region.
AOPA Namibia President and IAOPA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Riaan Burger, accepted the award on behalf of the association.
Riaan Burger, AOPA Namibia President and IAOPA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said, “This recognition belongs to the members and colleagues who consistently give their time and expertise to general aviation. AOPA Namibia's work is undertaken largely by committed volunteers who understand the importance of aviation to a country with Namibia's vast distances and dispersed communities.”
Burger also acknowledged the contribution made by the Government of Namibia and the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in establishing and maintaining a generally enabling aviation environment.
Burger said, “Credit must go to the Government of Namibia for the generally enabling aviation environment it has established, and to the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority for its constructive engagement with the general aviation community. Continued cooperation between government, the NCAA and the aviation community will be essential to protecting Namibia's strengths and realising its considerable potential as an aviation and tourism destination.”
During the World Assembly, Burger presented an overview of the state of general aviation across Africa and the Middle East. He highlighted the differences between countries where general aviation remains well established and those where regulation, cost, infrastructure constraints and complex administrative requirements have severely limited aviation opportunities. Namibia was presented as an example of a country where general aviation continues to serve as a valuable means of personal transport and offers potential for tourism.
Burger said, “Namibia offers a combination that few aviation destinations can match. We have extraordinary landscapes, favourable flying conditions, relatively uncongested airspace and an extensive network of airfields and private landing strips. Light aircraft allow visitors to experience our wildlife destinations, remote lodges, the Namib Desert and the Atlantic coastline in a truly distinctive way.”
Burger said Namibia has an opportunity to position itself as an African destination for private aviation tourism and organised flying tours.
Realising this potential will require continued cooperation between aviation regulators, airport operators, tourism authorities, accommodation establishments and the general aviation community. Important considerations include predictable entry and flight-clearance procedures, reliable access to aviation fuel, suitable customs and immigration facilities, and the continued availability of airfields across the region.
Burger said, “A strong regulatory framework is only as effective as the services that support it. Efficient and predictable turnaround times on licences, certificates and approvals from the NCAA would allow general aviation to make a far greater contribution to Namibia's economy.”
Burger added, “General aviation contributes to tourism, business connectivity, skills development and access to remote parts of Namibia. We should be proud of the aviation environment our country has developed while continuing to protect it from unnecessary restrictions and costs.”
The IAOPA World Assembly is held every two years and brings together member associations from IAOPA's global network, which collectively represents more than 400,000 pilots through more than 80 member association countries. This year's Assembly addressed regulatory developments, airspace and airport access, aviation safety, technology and the future of general aviation.
Burger also congratulated Katie Pribyl on becoming the new President of IAOPA.
Burger said, “Strong international cooperation gives smaller aviation communities a meaningful voice. AOPA Namibia looks forward to working with Katie and the wider IAOPA network to protect the freedom to fly and advance safe, accessible and sustainable general aviation.”
