As we prepare to gather for the second annual General Aviation Indaba in 2025, the excitement in the air is unmistakable – both literally and figuratively. After the resounding success of the inaugural Indaba in 2024, which brought together aviators, regulators, academics, operators, and policymakers under one roof, this year’s iteration promises to take the conversation – and the sector – to even greater heights.
What made last year’s Indaba a standout was not only the quality of discourse but the actionable outcomes it seeded. From networking opportunities that evolved into real partnerships, to discussions that began shifting policy frameworks – South Africa showed that it has both the appetite and capacity to lead Africa’s aviation future. This year, we are returning with renewed vision and broadened ambition.
Set against the theme of “Embracing innovation, fostering sustainability and resilience – towards a vibrant Southern African Aviation Sector”, the 2025 Aviation Indaba is not just a gathering – it is a national platform of convergence. Whether you are a commercial airline operator battling regulatory bottlenecks, a tourism operator looking to improve air access, a logistics manager seeking integrated mobility solutions, or a young woman aspiring to pilot the next generation of aircraft – this Indaba is for you.
Our thematic areas speak directly to the cross-cutting nature of aviation in today’s economy. For instance, the Policy, Regulation & Governance track will offer a space for government officials and civil aviation authorities to interface with the industry, unpacking the need for policy agility and a regulatory environment that fosters growth while safeguarding public interest. Operators will no doubt find particular value here – after all, the skies are only as open as the policies that govern them.
For the commercial sector, the sessions on Air Operator Challenges and Commercial Aviation Resilience provide an honest space to discuss cost structures, fleet renewal, route profitability, and funding mechanisms – matters which have become more urgent as the industry rebounds post-COVID.
Importantly, this year introduces an expanded focus on Integrated Mobility – a bold, necessary conversation on the interplay between aviation, tourism, and transport. South Africa cannot claim global competitiveness if our airports are disconnected from our cities, or if our tourism strategy doesn’t consider air access. This is where tourism boards, transport planners, and aviation stakeholders must talk – and listen – to one another.
Another critical highlight is Workforce Development and Transformation. We cannot dream of a world-class aviation sector if our workforce remains untransformed, under-resourced, and unprepared for the digital and green transitions. Here, training institutions, professional bodies, and employment equity advocates will find fertile ground to discuss upskilling, inclusion, and the development of future-ready aviation professionals.
This Indaba is not merely an event – it is a statement. It says that South Africa is no longer content with being a participant in global aviation; we are determined to be a driver of its future, particularly on the African continent. The Flying Jurist and its partners have created a platform where voices across the value chain are not just heard but valued.
Join us as we ascend – because the future of aviation in South Africa is not just in the skies. It’s in the conversations we hold, the policies we shape, and the inclusive ecosystem we build together.
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Professor Angelo Dube
Aviation Law Specialist | Founder and CEO, Flying Jurist
