The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has announced the appointment of Raphael Kuuchi as director government, legal and industry affairs in consulting capacity effective 1 January.
Raphael Kuuchi joins AFRAA from IATA where he served as the association’s special envoy to Africa on aero-political affairs for two years and IATA vice president – Africa for four years. He led IATA engagements with top government, regional and industry leaders in driving key initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of African aviation. He was also IATA’s focal point on the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Before joining IATA, Raphael served as AFRAA commercial director in 2005 and later as director commercial, corporate and industry affairs till February 2014. In this capacity, Raphael initiated and oversaw many projects in airlines business development, commercial operations, IT and communication, liberalization/ market access, aero-political/regulatory affairs and training across Africa.
“We are pleased to welcome back Raphael to AFRAA fraternity. He brings onboard the extensive industry experience to complement AFRAA team to better exercise our mandate to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry,” said Abdérahmane Berthé – AFRAA secretary general.
“I look forward to re-join the AFRAA team and to continue the exciting challenge to contribute to the development of air transport in Africa at a time much needed as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.” added Kuuchi.
Kuuchi holds an MBA from Henley Management College, UK and a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT) UK.
Raphael Kuuchi brings to AFRAA a wealth of experience in air transport management, operations and consulting. He complements AFRAA Senior Management team comprising of the following:
- Abderahmane Berthé – Secretary General
- Gaoussou Konate – Director Technical & Operations
- Maureen Kahonge- Senior Manager Business Development & Communications
- Dominic Simba – Senior Manager Corporate Finance & Administration
About AFRAA
The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.
AFRAA membership of 47 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
