RwandAir Joins IATA Safety Leadership Charter to Boost Aviation Safety in Africa

RwandAir has recently become the latest African airline to endorse the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, marking a significant stride towards enhancing aviation safety within the continent. This affiliation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) underlines RwandAir's dedication to promoting a culture of safety across its operations, aligning with IATA's Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP), specifically under its Focus Africa initiative.

Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, emphasized the airline's foundational commitment to safety, stating, "At RwandAir, safety is not merely a priority but a core principle that underpins our operations. Our adherence to stringent safety practices is integral to our operational ethos. Signing the IATA Safety Leadership Charter underscores our resolute commitment to advancing a safety culture and building upon our established safety protocols."

The charter is a part of IATA's broader effort to enhance aviation safety in Africa—a key aspect of the continent's developmental agenda. It aims to foster a strong safety culture within the aviation sector, essential for the industry's growth and sustainability. Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, lauded RwandAir's initiative, stating, "Enhancing aviation safety in Africa is crucial for the continent's development. We commend RwandAir for their leadership in safety and for their proactive steps towards cultivating a resilient safety culture."

The IATA Safety Leadership Charter sets forth guiding principles designed to support industry executives in nurturing a positive safety culture within their organizations. These principles focus on leading by example, promoting safety awareness, creating a trust-based environment for safety reporting, integrating safety into business strategies, and continuously assessing and enhancing the safety culture.

RwandAir's commitment to the charter, following Ethiopian Airlines' previous endorsement, showcases the growing momentum among African carriers to prioritize safety. This commitment not only benefits RwandAir and its stakeholders but also contributes to the broader goal of improving aviation safety standards across the industry, setting a precedent for other carriers in Africa and beyond.