Ethiopian Aviation Forum 2025: A New Era for African Aviation


Ethiopian Aviation Forum 2025: A New Era for African Aviation

The Ethiopian Aviation Forum 2025, organised by Norman Aerospace in partnership with GFOX Aviation, successfully convened over two days, drawing aviation leaders from Africa and around the world. The event featured a broad agenda tailored to the diverse needs of airlines, airports, and industry stakeholders. More than 300 participants attended, including government officials, aircraft manufacturers, global aviation experts, and distinguished guests. Planned three years in advance, the forum intended to bring together a dynamic mix of executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers for meaningful dialogue. Under the theme “Propelling Global Aviation: Africa Connects the World,” the event emphasised strengthening collaboration within the aviation sector. Jonathan Norman, chairman of the Ethiopian Aviation Forum and managing director of Norman Aerospace in the United States, noted plans to expand the forum in coming years. He expects increased participation from airlines outside the region and stronger engagement from the Middle East. The forum will rotate its focus annually between aviation, cargo logistics, and maintenance. Looking ahead, Norman identified a key challenge: balancing a competitive, industry-relevant agenda with academic rigour, while ensuring the content resonates with attendees’ interests.

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