In a landmark moment for the continent’s aviation sector, Nairobi or rather Kenya Airways, played host to the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC)—the first time the event has been held in Africa. The gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the industry to address the evolving needs of ground handling operations and broader aviation development in Africa.
The conference came at a time when the role of aviation in national and regional economies is under renewed focus. A recently published IATA report, The Value of Air Transport to Kenya, revealed that aviation contributes Ksh425 billion (approximately USD 3.3 billion) to the country’s GDP and supports over 460,000 jobs, including 5,700 directly employed by airlines. These figures underline the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and employment across Kenya and the wider East African region.
For Kenya Airways, a major ground handler at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and at Mombasa, the event offered a vital platform to exchange insights on safety, operational efficiency, and best practices in ground handling. Efficient ground operations are fundamental not only to daily airline functioning but to the long-term resilience and sustainability of aviation on the continent.
Kenya Airways highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, workforce investment, andenhanced ground efficiency as key enablers of sectoral growth. With aviation contributing 3.2% to Kenya’s GDP—of which the airline itself accounts for 2.5%—the focus is now on unlocking further value through strategic public and private collaboration.
As part of its commitment to safety and quality, Kenya Airways has secured the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification for its Nairobi hub. The airline is also recognised as an IATA-certified training centre, reinforcing its role in strengthening aviation capacity across the region. By providing high-standard training and implementing robust safety management systems, Kenya Airways is investing in the next generation of African aviation professionals.
The IGHC served as a forum to reinforce the need for standardisation and cross-sector alignment, particularly between airlines and airport operators. Kenya Airways has advocated for a more integrated approach to airport infrastructure development and passenger service delivery—one that enhances the travel experience while supporting economic resilience.
In support of global aviation objectives, Kenya Airways has also partnered with IATA to pilot the new Integrated Sustainability Programme (ISP), ahead of its formal launch in October 2025. The ISP aims to offer a structured framework for airlines, airports, and ground service providers to identify operational risks, implement improvement plans, and benchmark against international sustainability standards.
