The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) took part in the first-ever Africa Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium, hosted on March 18–19, 2025, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. The event, organized by Fahari Aviation, a Kenya Airways subsidiary, was a landmark gathering focused on revolutionizing air transportation in Africa.
The symposium brought together stakeholders from across the aviation sector—industry experts, government officials, and technology innovators—to explore how Advanced Air Mobility, including eVTOL aircraft and urban air taxis, can reshape transportation across both urban and rural regions of the continent.
Setting the Stage for Innovation
The event was officially launched by Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Transport. He stressed the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking approaches to building a robust and future-ready African aviation sector.
Participants were introduced to innovative technologies and how they can be tailored to solve Africa’s unique transportation challenges, while supporting environmental sustainability.
KAA’s Voice on Infrastructure
Dr. Simon Peter, Operations Manager at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), represented KAA during a roundtable on infrastructure development. He pointed out that for AAM to succeed, solid infrastructure is key.
“Infrastructure is at the heart of enabling these new air mobility solutions,” Dr. Peter noted, emphasizing the need for airports and cities to evolve in tandem with aviation innovations.
Global Insights for Local Application
The symposium featured global case studies from cities like New York, Paris, and Singapore, highlighting their approaches to rolling out urban air mobility. These examples offered valuable insights on how Africa can adapt and implement similar strategies, factoring in its own regional dynamics.
Driving Sustainable Air Mobility
A central theme of the event was the role of AAM in improving regional connectivity and sustainability. Fahari Aviation showcased how drones, eVTOLs, and other technologies can address long-standing logistical issues in remote areas, reduce travel time, and minimize environmental impact.
KAA expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing their alignment with Kenya’s broader development goals and the need for sustainable, inclusive infrastructure.
Building the Future Together
As a leading player in Africa’s aviation space, KAA reaffirmed its dedication to fostering innovation and forging partnerships that drive the growth of advanced air mobility. The Authority sees its involvement in this symposium as part of a broader strategy to position Kenya at the forefront of the continent’s aviation transformation.
“This gathering wasn’t just about new aircraft—it was about new thinking. KAA is committed to being part of the journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable aviation future in Africa,” said the organization.
The symposium offered more than just a glimpse into cutting-edge aviation—it served as a platform for global cooperation and strategic partnerships that will help shape the next chapter in African air travel.
