KIGALI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending the 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention and the 2nd African Aviation Safety and Operations Summit, which opened on Monday in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, have called for reforms, regional collaboration and the adoption of innovative technologies to unlock Africa's aviation potential and strengthen safety across the continent.

The three-day event, held under the theme "Sustainability, Collaborate, Innovate and Strengthening Safety Culture in Africa," is organized by the government of Rwanda in partnership with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

"Alongside the challenges of regulatory policies, airlines must improve cooperation through interline agreements, code sharing and partnerships, while also lowering their operating costs to make air travel more affordable for a greater number of Africans," Secretary General of AFRAA Abderahmane Berthe said at the event.

Berthe said that only 10 percent of African citizens can currently afford air transport, highlighting the significant potential for growth.

Yvonne Makolo, chief executive officer of Rwanda's national carrier, RwandAir, noted that Africa is home to 17 percent of the world's population, but in 2025, the continent only accounts for 2.2 percent of global traffic.

"Many people in our respective countries take 13- or 14-hour bus rides to travel between countries instead of a two-hour flight, primarily because of the costs. We need to close these gaps," Makolo added.

Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente said the aviation sector holds immense potential to drive economic transformation on the continent.

"Aviation plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, job creation, and regional integration. It connects people, cultures, and markets, serving as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and investment," said Ngirente.

"Rwanda has adopted policies to foster a conducive environment for aviation growth, including visa-on-arrival for all African citizens, which has boosted tourism and trade," he said.

The event brought together over 400 aviation stakeholders from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

Meanwhile, according to a statement from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released in December last year, the global airline industry is expected to see a slight increase in profitability in 2025, despite ongoing cost and supply chain challenges.

Net profits are projected to reach 36.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, with a 3.6 percent net profit margin-up from an expected 31.5 billion dollars net profit and 3.3 percent margin in 2024, IATA reported. ■