The IFALPA Professional and Government Affairs (PGA) Committee gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, in February 2025, putting into action the Federation’s commitment to strengthening pilot representation and advocacy across all five regions. The event was preceded by the dedicated Focus on Africa Symposium, a forum that explored both the challenges and opportunities facing the AFIMID Region’s pilots and aviation stakeholders.
From policy gaps to industrial pressures, one theme stood out: the need for united, proactive representation.
The workshop provided an important opportunity to engage with regulators and airline management on neutral ground. First Officer Evelyne Nzongi, representing the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), reflected on how this unique format fostered stronger relationships at home.
“When we invited the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Director General couldn’t attend but did send a representative, which was a step forward,” Nzongi explained. “What was more encouraging was the positive, even enthusiastic, response from Kenya Airways management, likely helped by the recent signing of our Collective Agreement. It set the tone for collaboration.”
In an interview with PGA Committee Vice-Chair Captain Mark Segaloff, Nzongi shared how the lead-up to the workshop facilitated new dialogue. “Working directly with the Director of Safety on non-industrial issues reminded everyone that our core mission is safety. That clarity helped shift perceptions of the union’s role. Management began to appreciate the broader scope of IFALPA’s work.”
Across the PGA Committee Meeting itself, Member Associations (MAs) from around the world echoed similar themes: strained negotiations, weak legal protections for unions, and an urgent need for policy influence. Nzongi found resonance in discussions about pilot retention and wet leasing. “Hearing how other MAs grapple with wet leases and the effect on career growth really hit home for us.”
The Kenyan pilot group plans to take clear action based on the event. “We’ll be forming a Fatigue Safety Action Group to ensure pilots have a stronger voice in the safety loop,” Nzongi confirmed. “We also intend to sustain engagement with the regulator on issues of mutual interest.”
Broader sessions at the PGA Meeting tackled issues from GNSS Radio Frequency Interference threats to erosion of home base protections, and outlined coordinated responses, including ICAO/ILO engagement and regional legislative strategy. Delegates reviewed ongoing work ahead of ICAO Assembly 42, where IFALPA Working Papers could have real regulatory impact.
Finally, the Committee emphasised the need to raise participation across all regions. With success stories like KALPA’s engagement, IFALPA aims to extend best practices, tools, and training to as many Member Associations as possible. The Nairobi gathering reinforced that building global pilot solidarity means investing in local relationships.
As the Technical and PGA Teams of IFALPA continue to cooperate to advance the Federation’s mission to advocate for pilots’ rights and amplify their voices on the world stage, Africa stands out as a region of emerging leadership, meaningful collaboration, and growing influence within the global aviation community.
