Accra, Dec 1, GNA - Mr. Kosi Foli, immediate past Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), says African Airlines need to form progressive alliances, in order to ensure their successful operations on the continent.

To build a successful aviation industry, "Africa needs a Pan-African solution," he stressed.

Mr. Foli was speaking to journalists at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, after joining a South African Airways team to assess Ghana's prospects of developing into an aviation hub within the sub-region. He observed that Africa held great potential for growth in the aviation sector, adding that this potential was open for exploration by airlines operating within the continent.

Mr. Foli noted that for airlines to be successful in their operations, government had to stay out of their operations.

The immediate past AFRAA Secretary General said there was the need for airlines to be responsible for the success of their operations, adding that such responsibility would ensure better accountability, which would in the long run lead to efficiency in the air line industry in Africa. Mr Foli said his team was determined to help revamp Ghana International Airline and brighten its prospects.

He said the airline had great potential for growth, adding that with the right strategies and initiatives, it could become one of the most efficient carriers within the sub-region.

Mr. Jason Krause, Head of Business Development, South African Airways (SA), said his outfit was embarking upon the assessment project in countries where it had experienced very successful operations. He said Ghana was one of such places, prompting the airline to embark upon the initiative.

Mrs Doreen Owusu Fianko, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Ltd, said the aviation sector was a catalyst for national development.

She noted that South Africa wields great potential for foreign direct investment in Ghana throughout the aviation sector. "The demands we are having are such that we may have to re-vamp the airports in the other regions of the country. KIA alone might not be enough." Mrs Fianko said at the right time, Ghana would collaborate with SA, to build a vibrant and strong aviation industry in the country.