03 Nov 2013

Policies and regulations are as important to the health and growth of the aviation industry as is the economic growth, says the coordinator of air charter sector of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), Ms Penelope Widmer.

“We believe a lot can be achieved and that the aviation industry can contribute significantly to the GDP of Botswana, as is the case in other countries,” Ms Widmer said when presenting a paper on Policy and Regulatory Matters Towards Civil Aviation Growth and Sustainability at the aviation pitso in Maun recently. She said air transport was an innovative industry that could drive economic and social progress. 

Ms Widmer noted that access was important for any trade to flourish  and the aviation industry was fortunate because it had international standards laid out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to enable global harmonisation. 

She said Botswana was in the right direction towards achieving sustainability in civil aviation, through a safe, secure, efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly civil aviation industry.  “Aviation provides the only rapid worldwide transportation network, making it essential for global business/tourism, thus facilitating economic growth,” she said. Ends