U.S., Nov. 11 -- "Across the African continent, the promise and potential of aviation is rich. Already it supports USD 55.8 billion in economic activity and 6.2 million jobs. And, as demand more than doubles over the next two decades, the critical role that aviation plays in Africa's economic and social development will grow in equal proportion. With the right tax and regulatory framework, the opportunities aviation creates to improve people's lives are tremendous," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO in a keynote speech at the 51st Annual General Assembly of the African Airline Association (AFRAA) in Mauritius.

The African Tourism Board chairman Cuthbert Ncube applauded the speech.

Here is a transcript of the addr...