By Wallace Mawire
| Zimbabwean Born Aaron Munetsi to receive the AviaDev 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award By Wallace Mawire AviaDev Africa the premier platform dedicated to enhancing air connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa through strategic dialogue and collaboration has announced that Aaron Munetsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa will be the recipient of the AviaDev 2026 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to route development and African aviation. According to AviaDev Africa, each year, the prestigious award, named in honour of legendary aviation leader Ato Girma Wake is nominated and voted for by the AviaDev Advisory Board, recognising individuals who have made a lasting and transformative impact on aviation across Africa. Through pre-arranged meetings, panel discussions and targeted networking, AviaDev facilitates the launch of new routes, supports fleet planning decisions, and builds personal and professional partnerships that strengthen intra-African connectivity. Taking place in Gaborone, Botswana from 10 to 12 June,2026 the forum brings together airlines, airports, tourism authorities and a variety of service providers to drive route and fleet development across the Sub-Saharan African region. |
| According to AviaDev, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Aaron has played a pivotal role in strengthening connectivity across the continent. They said during his time at South African Airways, he led major network expansions, pioneered key international partnerships, and helped unlock new long-haul and intra-African routes. In his current role, he is said to continue to champion collaboration across the industry, working with airlines, governments and stakeholders to drive connectivity, sustainability and growth. They said Aaron now joins an exceptional group of past recipients who have helped shape African aviation, including Mesfin Tasew (2025), João Pó Jorge (2024), Rodger Foster (2023), Sanjeev Gadhia (2022), and Adefunke Adeyemi (2021). The award will be presented atAviaDev Africa 2026, where Aaron will take to the stage to reflect on his career and share insights into the future of aviation connectivity across Africa. |
