The International Air Transport Association (IATA) last week called for a revitalized focus on aviation safety to help Africa begin to benefit from aviation connectivity and join the global industry.

IATA said a strong partnership to drive innovative solutions could counter the other aviation challenges facing the regions, including security, environmental sustainability and infrastructure.

"We must work together to ensure that every government in the continent understands aviation as an engine for sustainable development and a key pillar of economic strategy," said Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO. "Africa will benefit greatly by harnessing the power of successful aviation industry. To ensure that aviation delivers on its potential, we must work together -- industry and government -- to ensure that aviation is safe, secure, environmentally sustainable and well supported with efficient infrastructure."

Runway excursions are the biggest safety challenge for Africa. Working with ICAO, a revised Runway Excursion Risk Reduction Toolkit was produced this year. "For the toolkit to improve safety, it needs to be used -- by airlines, air navigation service providers (ANSP) and airports," said Tyler.