- Sandton
- DATE: 18 - 19 August 2026
About Aviation Indaba
The Aviation Indaba
Africa’s premier dialogue bringing together industry stakeholders for a sustainable aviation future.
Now in its third year, the Aviation Indaba began in 2024 as the General Aviation Indaba, a focused forum aimed at fostering collaboration and policy advocacy within the general aviation sector. Due to the overwhelming interest and the success of its inaugural edition, the Indaba has since evolved to encompass the broader aviation industry.
In 2025, we proudly launched the expanded Aviation Indaba – a strategic, high-level platform designed to drive cross-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and impactful policy dialogue across the entire aviation ecosystem. In 2026 we explore how scaling passenger and cargo aviation by integrating aviation with ports, rail, and road, and strategic OEM partnerships can drive industrialisation, trade, and regional integration. The programme will place strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, including aviation energy security, advanced technologies and systems for security, logistics, and humanitarian operations.
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Bringing together key industry participants – including airlines, regulators, aircraft manufacturers, air traffic controllers, airport operators, ground-handling service providers, government departments, financiers, legal experts, academic institutions, training organisations, pilots and emerging technology innovators, the Aviation Indaba creates a unique space for engagement across commercial, cargo, general, and emerging segments such as drone and space-based aviation, sustainable aviation fuels, etc.
Serving as a neutral and solution-oriented platform, the Indaba facilitates candid conversations on shared challenges, regulatory developments, infrastructure needs, and future trends shaping the aviation landscape. It provides structured opportunities to explore policy alignment, investment opportunities, skills development, safety and security, sustainability imperatives, digitalisation, and innovation in air mobility.
Event Highlights
2026 Event
Africa’s premier dialogue bringing together industry stakeholders for a sustainable aviation future.
- DATE: 18 - 19 August 2026
The 2026 Aviation Indaba focuses on unlocking profitable and sustainable air connectivity to drive Africa’s growth. It brings together industry, regulators, investors, and academia to advance scalable passenger and cargo aviation, investment-ready infrastructure, regulatory harmonisation, and innovation in energy and technology. With a strong emphasis on integrated transport systems, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration, the Indaba positions aviation as a central catalyst for trade, mobility, and a competitive, future-ready African economy.
2025 Aviation Indaba Report
The 2025 Aviation Indaba Event
Aviation Indaba was held at the Maslow Hotel, Sandton, on 19 August 2025, under the theme “Embracing Innovation, Sustainability & Resilience – Towards a Vibrant Southern African Aviation Sector.” The Indaba attracted delegates from diverse sectors of the aviation ecosystem, including high school learners from Botebo-Tsebo High School, who attended to gain exposure to the aviation industry.
Main Keynote Address
Honourable MEC Lebogang Maile
Indaba was graced by the presence of Honourable MEC Lebogang Maile, MEC for Finance and Economic Development in Gauteng, who delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the role of Gauteng as a gateway to international markets for passengers and cargo through the province’s two international airports OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport. He therefore urged industry stakeholders to partner with the Gauteng Provincial Government, particularly in areas of skills development, to accelerate the sector’s growth.
Keynote Address
His Majesty Kgoshi Riba, Phaswane III
His Majesty Kgoshi Riba, Phaswane III, represented by Prince Freedom Riba, also addressed the gathering. His remarks reflected on the transformative agenda of increasing black ownership in strategic industries such as mining, which he linked to the developmental growth of local communities. He encouraged collaboration between the aviation industry and traditional leaders in advancing rural airport and infrastructure development, remarking that “everything starts with the land.
Panels
Aviation Policy, Regulation & Governance
Moderated by Ms Karen Goldstone-Hoffman (FCG) – Director at GovGrowth, this dynamic panel brought together regulators, marketers and aviation law experts, including representatives from ATNS, Brand Africa, Cliff Dekker Hofmeyr and Group 33 Advocates to tackle the pressing challenges in Africa’s aviation sector. Panelists called for stronger collaboration between regulators and industry and urged swift action to advance continental initiatives like AfCFTA and SAATM.
Commercial Aviation
Moderated by Advocate Elizabeth Lourens – Advocate of the High Court of South Africa and Aviation Law Specialist, this high-impact panel featured special presentations from BARSA and Henley Air that unpacked the most pressing challenges facing South Africa’s aviation industry. The discussion underscored the urgent need for bold structural reforms, targeted incentives, and retention of critical aviation skills, particularly aircraft maintenance engineers.
Infrastructure and Airport Development
Moderated by Ms Dineo Ranaka, this panel explored how infrastructure, innovation, and strategic planning can unlock South Africa’s aviation and economic potential. The discussion spotlighted the Aerotropolis Master Plan as a catalyst for provincial and national growth, with a clear call to strengthen maintenance and position airports as vibrant economic hubs driving trade, logistics, tourism, and investment.
Workforce Development and Transformation
Moderated by Dr Mpume Mkhize, this panel brought together leaders from TETA and CSIR to confront the growing skills gap in an aviation industry shaped by rapid technological change. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of investing in research and development, strengthening policy alignment across aviation, education, and transformation, and mobilising sustainable funding to future-proof skills development.
Key Presentations
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Meet The Event Organizer
About Flying Jurist
The biggest largest widest anticipated Aviation Conference.
Flying Jurist is registered in South Africa in terms of South African law and operates out of Johannesburg, South Africa. The company owns the General Aviation Indaba concept. The company offers bespoke aviation solutions to a diverse range of discerning customers.
With future ambitions of opening up an aviation training organisation, with cargo and drone operation interests in the mid-term, the company currently focuses on (1) aviation consultancy, (2) events, (3) aviation media, and (4) mentorship as its core corporate social responsibility function. At Flying Jurist, years of expertise in the aviation, legal, academic and consultancy sectors coalesce to a form a one stop shop for the discerning customer looking for expert knowledge in these areas.
Powered by Flying Jurist.
Meet The Event Organizer
About Flying Jurist
The Aviation Indaba is convened by the Flying Jurist in partnership with the Lenono Foundation NPC. Flying Jurist is an advisory firm specialising in aviation consultancy services, with a strong focus on aviation policy, strategy, and governance reform; regulatory compliance and safety advisory; as well as stakeholder coordination, engagement, and ecosystem integration across the aviation sector.
The firm provides strategic legal and regulatory advisory support to public and private sector stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem, ensuring compliance with national and international aviation frameworks while promoting good governance practices within the industry.
In addition, Flying Jurist plays a critical integrative role by providing bespoke solutions and platforms for engagement – connecting regulators, operators, professionals, and policymakers across the continent. Through this ecosystem coordination function, the firm supports the development of aligned, sustainable, and investment-ready aviation initiatives.
Lenono Foundation NPC, a public benefit organisation committed to advancing inclusive development, thought leadership, and capacity-building initiatives across key sectors of the economy. Through its convening role, the Foundation provides a neutral, developmental platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to engage on issues of strategic importance to Africa’s growth trajectory.
This partnership between the Lenono Foundation and Flying Jurist enables the Aviation Indaba to operate as a credible, independent, and forward-looking forum – one that integrates developmental objectives with industry insight. Through this collaborative model, the Indaba continues to amplify diverse voices, foster strategic partnerships, and position aviation as a key driver of socio-economic development in South Africa and across the African continent.
Our Sponsors
The Aviation Indaba invites strategic partnerships across a range of areas – including sponsorship, expert participation, research collaboration, and logistical support.
By partnering with us, you become part of a transformative platform that drives dialogue, sparks innovation, and strengthens aviation’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and global connectivity.
Let’s shape the future of aviation – together.
Last Year Event Gallery
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Latest Blog Updates
- VENUE:Sandton
- DATE: 18th and 19th August 2026