The Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), led by H.E. Eng. Khalid Cherkaoui, Director General of the Organization, participated in the 11th AFI Aviation Week 2026, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in Cairo from 27 to 31 July 2026. The event brought together Heads of Civil Aviation Authorities, representatives of international and regional organizations, and experts from the air transport industry.
ACAO's participation in this prominent regional event reflects its commitment to promoting Arab and regional cooperation in the field of civil aviation, keeping pace with international efforts aimed at advancing the air transport sector, and strengthening integration among regional and international organizations, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and enhancing the safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability of civil aviation.
The ACAO delegation participated in the technical sessions of the conference, which addressed the key priorities for the development of the civil aviation sector in Africa. Discussions focused on enhancing aviation safety and security, developing airport and air navigation infrastructure, advancing digital transformation, promoting environmental sustainability, developing human resources and capacity building, as well as strengthening regional cooperation and mobilizing sustainable resources and financing to support regional initiatives aimed at advancing Africa's air transport system.
The Organization's participation also provided an opportunity to strengthen communication and coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Civil Aviation Authorities from Arab and African States, as well as regional and international partners. Discussions focused on issues of common interest and explored prospects for enhancing cooperation in the areas of capacity building, exchange of expertise, and support for initiatives and programmes aimed at advancing the civil aviation sector, thereby reinforcing cooperation between Arab and African States and contributing to the sustainable development of the air transport sector.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the final outcome document, which included a set of recommendations aimed at accelerating the implementation of the strategic priorities of Africa's civil aviation sector. These recommendations focused on strengthening regional coordination and cooperation, aligning national legislation with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), developing airport and air navigation infrastructure, advancing digital transformation and cybersecurity, modernizing air traffic management systems, enhancing aviation safety and security, promoting environmental sustainability, expanding capacity-building and human resource development programmes, and mobilizing sustainable resources and financing. The recommendations are intended to support the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), enhance the continent's preparedness to address global developments, and reinforce Africa's position within the international air transport industry.