NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 8 - African Airlines must adopt modern aircraft equipment and invest in training if the continents aviation industry is to develop to world class standards.

An aviation conference in Nairobi heard that the continent was not even half way its potential due to inherent challenges most of which could be addressed through training.

The concerns emerged at a conference of African airlines held in Nairobi by General Electric (GE) Aviation and CFM International pan-African aviation which was hosted by Kenya Airways.

The three Day Conference discussed new developments in aviation and engine technologies, and flight operations for airline operators in Africa.

GE Aviation Sales Director for Africa, John Azzi, said the company is actively supporting the growth of African Airlines and observed that the conference would help build local capacity by providing training on its latest technology.
 
"GE Aviation is committed to the development of the aviation industry by providing innovative solutions to face their challenges in this tough global economic environment," he said. 
 
Thirteen Airlines from across the continent participated in the conference. The airlines included Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles and Jetlink Express from East Africa.  The other airlines in attendance included Arik Air (Nigeria), TAAG Angola Airlines, South African Express, Libyan Airlines, LAM - Mozambique, Petro Air (Libya), SafAir/Aergo (South Africa) and TAP of Portugal.

GE Aviation Customer Support Manager for Africa, Dr Catherine Salas, said the conference provided the latest technical information on GE and CFM products. The meeting was unique in the fact that it included both the airline power plant engineer and pilot communities.

 "GE and CFM technical and diagnostics experts shared the technical information and troubleshooting techniques with the Airline Power Plant engineers to improve engine time on wing and reduce delays and cancellations. In addition, GE and CFM Flight Operations experts further educated the Airline pilots in the most efficient ways to operate the engines to reduce operating costs" she said.

GE is supporting Africa's aviation industry by supplying and maintaining aircraft engines.  GE Aviation and CFM have sold over 300 engines ranging from the CF34, CFM56, CF6, GE90 to the GEnx in Africa. 

"We are pleased to play a key role in advancing Africa's aviation industry and are excited about the growth opportunities in the region," Azzi said.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as avionics, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to

CFM International is a 50-50 joint company between GE and Snecma (SAFRAN Group).

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work.