Key headline speakers will be in attendance at Aviation AFRICA 2025, reflecting on how they went about restructuring airlines.
AVIATION AFRICA 2025 SPEAKERS
The summit has indeed become recognised for bringing characters with a story to tell – and this year will be no different, as renowned airline CEO and now financier James Hogan will speak at the event held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Hogan has held strategic leadership roles in the aviation industry, including at Etihad Airways and Gulf Air.
He was indeed the President and CEO of Etihad Aviation Group from 2006 to 2017, during which time he transformed the airline into a major global player with diverse interests in Air Seychelles, Air Berlin, Air Serbia and Alitalia.
After leaving the airline Hogan founded the UAE headquartered financial investment firm and consultancy, Knighthood Capital, with former Etihad CFO – and now CEO of Knighthood – James Rigney, who will also be speaking at the event.
RESTRUCTURING OF AIRLINES
Knighthood is a strong believer in the future of African aviation.
In fact, the firm was recently appointed by the government of Mozambique to advise on the restructuring of the country’s national carrier, LAM Mozambique Airlines.
Maputo-based LAM has encountered turbulence during recent years. This has included financial difficulties, management changes, network cuts and operational disruption, with several of its own aircraft also being out of service.
Hogan, Rigney and team are working with LAM’s new shareholders on a restructuring plan which includes procuring appropriate aircraft and re-establishing an efficient fleet. The plan will also review LAM’s governance as part of the process.
Former Air Serbia CEO, Dane Kondić, will also be in attendance, speaking about his experiences of restructuring an airline. He will speak on the airline panel.
“We are thrilled that Hogan, Rigney and Kondić will be with us in Kigali,” said Summit Chairman Alan Peaford.
“They have all experienced the highs and lows of the airline business, but have great insight, and the LAM project will be of great interest.” He said.
The two-day Summit takes place at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) – alongside the Radisson Blu Hotel – on September 4th and 5th September.
Aviation AFRICA is organised by TIMES Aerospace Events. The company has already organised eight editions of this event in the United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa.
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