St Kitts and Nevis stands out for its strong Rule of Law and well-regulated citizenship by investment programme

Basseterre, May 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes are often evaluated based on security, protection of property and human rights as well as general stability. The rule of law is a principle that is typically used to test the strength of a country’s system of laws. For countries like St Kitts and Nevis which offer CBI programmes, having favourable laws that are applied fairly is important because it enhances their capacity to attract more investors while upholding the integrity of their CBI initiatives.

Rule of law refers to the mechanisms, processes and institutional practices that support the equality of all persons before a country’s laws. This implies that the creation and enforcement of laws must be legally regulated so that no one is above the law. In countries where the rule of law is strong, the application and adjudication of the law by governing officials are impartial. On the other hand, a weak rule of law is characterised by the consideration of class, economic or political status and relative power in the application of the law.

St Kitts and Nevis ranked 40 out of 139 countries in the 2021 Rule of Law Index. In the year 2022, the country ranked 39 out of 140 countries, indicating a slight increase. At a regional level, consisting of 32 countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region; St Kitts and Nevis was ranked 7th and 5th in 2021 and 2022 respectively.  The rule of law index measures how the rule of law is perceived and experienced globally. Rankings in the index are based on the following pillars:

  • Constraints on government powers;
  • Absence of corruption;
  • Open government;
  • Fundamental rights;
  • Order and security;
  • Regulatory enforcement;
  • Civil justice; and
  • Criminal justice.

The first pillar measures the extent to which those who are in governing positions are bound by the law. Various checks such as the existence of a free and independent press, the limitation of government powers by the legislature or the judiciary as well as the independent auditing of government activities determine government powers. In 2022, St Kitts and Nevis had a global ranking of 45 out of 140 and a regional ranking of 7 out of 32 on the constraints of government powers.

With regards to the absence of corruption, St Kitts and Nevis scored a global ranking of 41 out of 140 and a regional ranking of 7 out of 32 in the year 2022. These ratings indicate that the prevalence of bribery, informal payments and embezzlement of public funds is significantly low in the judicial, military and law enforcement spheres.

The third pillar which is open government, measures the openness of a government. This is principally indicated by the extent to which a government shares information, encourages citizen participation in policy-making and is held accountable. Globally, St Kitts and Nevis was ranked 86 out of 140 whereas regionally, it was ranked 23 out of 32.

In St Kitts and Nevis, individuals are free from discrimination based on socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion. In addition to this, the right to life of a person and fundamental labour rights are effectively guaranteed. These observations are supported by St Kitts and Nevis’s global ranking of 35 out of 140 and a regional ranking of 7 out of 32 on the fundamental rights factor.

When it comes to order and security, St Kitts and Nevis was ranked 49 out of 140 globally, and an impressive 4 out of 32 regionally. This indicator is particularly important for investors who want to settle in the country without having to worry much about their security. Rating highly in this pillar means that in St Kitts and Nevis, the prevalence of common crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery and theft is low. It also means that people in the country are considerably protected from civil conflict and terrorism.

The enforcement of labour, environmental, consumer and public health regulations has an implication on a country’s rule of law. In the regulatory enforcement pillar, St Kitts and Nevis had a global and regional rating of 34 out of 140 and 2 out of 32 respectively. The ratings indicate that in St Kitts and Nevis, government regulations are applied and enforced without improper influence.

St Kitts and Nevis ranked high in the civil and criminal justice pillars of the rule of law index. For the year 2022, the country ranked 24 out of 140 in civil justice, and 36 out of 140 in criminal justice. Regionally, St Kitts and Nevis occupied the 2nd position out of 32 in civil justice and 5th position out of 32 in criminal justice. People living in the country can access and afford civil as well as criminal justice compared to other countries in the world. This also means that these two systems are relatively free of discrimination, improper political influence, corruption and unreasonable delays among other hindrances.

The rule of law is particularly important for investors because it has a bearing on property rights. St Kitts and Nevis have the rule of law embedded in their CBI programmes. This gives investors a guarantee that their property rights are upheld at all times. The comparatively high rule of law index ranking, along with a strict due diligence process make St Kitts and Nevis a great choice for investments through CBI programmes.

Earlier this year, the St Kitts and Nevis government formally established the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) Board of Governors. This body advises the Prime Minister on the management, operation, reviewing and monitoring of the development of CBI policies. A technical committee that is in charge of ensuring due diligence checks are completed on all CBI applications was also established by the government. St Kitts and Nevis, which has the world’s longest-standing CBI programme in the world has been setting the standard in the CBI industry for decades. The dual island was ranked top in terms of its meticulous commitment to due diligence according to the 2022 CBI Index.

Chantal Mabanga
PR St. Kitts and Nevis
+44 (0) 207 318 4343
chantal.mabanga@csglobalpartners.comGlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8842858

Presidente do Avia Solutions Group Gediminas Ziemelis: 10 grandes desafios para a sustentabilidade da aviação comercial para os próximos 3 anos

DUBLIN, Irlanda, May 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Garantir operações sustentáveis tornou-se uma das principais motivações das empresas de aviação nos últimos anos. No entanto, esse setor dinâmico enfrenta uma infinidade de desafios que podem impedir os esforços das empresas para aumentar a lucratividade Embora vários fatores contribuam para as dificuldades do setor de aviação, alguns problemas importantes merecem ser destacados como os principais culpados.

As altas taxas de juros de mercado em dólares para companhias aéreas altamente alavancadas e afogadas em dívidas serão ainda mais altas

Nos últimos anos, o setor de aviação experimentou uma queda significativa na demanda por viagens aéreas, resultando em muitas companhias aéreas enfrentando perdas financeiras. Para se manterem à tona durante esse período, as companhias aéreas contraíram mais dívidas. No entanto, esse aumento do endividamento resultou em maior risco para os credores, levando a taxas de juros de mercado mais altas para as companhias aéreas.

Além do impacto da pandemia no setor, outros fatores como o aumento dos custos dos combustíveis e o aumento da concorrência também contribuíram para as dificuldades financeiras de muitas companhias aéreas. Esses fatores tornaram cada vez mais difícil para as companhias aéreas altamente alavancadas gerar lucros e pagar suas dívidas, levando a preocupações sobre a sustentabilidade de seus modelos de negócios.

A combinação destes fatores levou a uma situação em que as companhias aéreas altamente endividadas enfrentam agora taxas de juro de mercado ainda mais elevadas, o que pode agravar as suas dificuldades financeiras.

Custos de seguro muito mais altos – o agravamento dos riscos de guerra pode elevar os prêmios de seguro

O setor de aviação está se debatendo com o aumento dos custos de seguro devido ao agravamento dos riscos geopolíticos. Isso é altamente influenciado pelo fato de que, como declarado pelas principais companhias de seguros, cerca de 500 aeronaves alugadas a operadores russos permanecem presas na Rússia. As seguradoras estão enfrentando possíveis problemas de confiabilidade devido à situação incerta criada pela recusa do governo russo em liberar a aeronave.

Como resultado, as seguradoras estão lutando para avaliar o nível de risco envolvido, levando a uma ampla gama de perdas potenciais estimadas em até US$ 30 bilhões, segundo fontes do setor. Essa incerteza deve elevar os prêmios de seguro para as companhias aéreas, impactando o setor como um todo.

Os passageiros se lembrarão de indenizações por atrasos de voos, e isso afetará os custos não planejados das companhias aéreas

O Regulamento 261/2004 da UE prevê uma indenização para os passageiros que sofram atrasos, cancelamentos, overbooking ou recusa de embarque. Dependendo das circunstâncias específicas e sob certas condições, os passageiros afetados podem ser elegíveis para um pedido de indenização que varia entre € 250 e € 600 por pessoa. Antes da pandemia de COVID-19, a taxa de atrasos de voos na UE que eram objeto de compensação era de 1,5% de todos os voos, com um valor médio de indenização de € 375 por voo atrasado.

Em 2019, as companhias aéreas da UE transportaram um total de 1,12 bilhões de passageiros, com 1,7 milhões de voos sofrendo atrasos e resultando em um pagamento total de € 6,3 bilhões em indenizações. Atualmente, apenas 10% dos passageiros afetados apresentam reclamações diretamente às companhias aéreas ou por meio de empresas de serviços especializados, como Skycop ou Airhelp.

No entanto, espera-se que esse número aumente significativamente, já que após a COVID-19 o setor enfrenta escassez de capacidade e outros desafios. Como resultado, o número de voos reclamáveis que sofrem atrasos pode aumentar de 1,5% para 5%, potencialmente levando a um pagamento total de € 20 bilhões em indenizações.

Os desafios dos motores LEAP terão impacto em mais aeronaves em solo e na escassez de capacidade;

De acordo com nossa pesquisa interna, atualmente, o setor aeronáutico opera uma frota de 1397 aeronaves A320neo com motores LEAP-1A, totalizando 3080 motores com uma média de 2,2 motores por aeronave, e 1043 aeronaves Boeing 737 MAX com motores LEAP-1B, totalizando 2338 motores com uma média de 2,2 motores por aeronave. Para manter esses motores, existem no mundo inteiro 21 locais para revisão e manutenção do LEAP-1A e 22 locais para motores LEAP-1B.

No entanto, a paralisação de 16.000 aeronaves (o equivalente a 60% da frota total) em 2020-2021 levou a um impressionante adiamento de 60% da manutenção do motor LEAP. Consequentemente, há agora uma lacuna de manutenção significativa em 43 locais, resultando em tempos de espera de 9 a 10 meses para manutenção do motor, o que poderia interromper as operações das companhias aéreas.

A produção de OEM e a cadeia de suprimentos interrompidas durante 2023-2025 causarão uma escassez de capacidade de aeronaves;

A pandemia de COVID-19 teve um impacto profundo no setor aeroespacial. Os Fabricantes de Equipamentos Originais (OEMs), como Boeing e Airbus, experimentaram interrupções significativas em suas cadeias de produção e suprimentos. Em resposta à desaceleração econômica global e à redução da demanda por viagens aéreas, os OEMs reduziram seus níveis de produção aproximadamente pela metade em comparação com os níveis pré-COVID. Contudo, isso levou a uma escassez de capacidade de aeronaves, o que está dificultando os esforços de recuperação do setor.

Os cortes de produção afetaram mais de 5.000 fornecedores da cadeia de suprimentos, que tiveram que reduzir seus volumes durante a pandemia. Consequentemente, a recuperação do setor aeroespacial deve levar de 2,5 a 4 anos para retornar aos níveis de produção pré-COVID. Este período prolongado de interrupção provavelmente terá consequências significativas para o setor e seus participantes.

Em 2020-2021, o cancelamento de programas de cadetes aviadores e aposentadorias planejadas causaram uma escassez de pilotos em 2023-2024 e um rápido aumento nos custos para as companhias aéreas;

O setor aeronáutico enfrenta uma demanda constante por novos pilotos, já que aproximadamente 3% deles se aposentam anualmente. No entanto, a pandemia de COVID-19 causou um grande revés no setor, com todos os programas de cadetes sendo adiados ou cancelados.

Consequentemente, há agora um problema significativo de escassez de pilotos, levando a rápidos aumentos de custos. Estima-se que o setor experimentará uma escassez de 300.000 pilotos dentro de uma década. Espera-se que essa escassez crie desafios significativos, particularmente na Índia, que deve ter a maior escassez de pilotos

Desafios para reservar vagas de MRO após a COVID-19, já que eventos de manutenção programados foram adiados

Outro problema causado pela pandemia de COVID-19 é um acúmulo significativo de serviços de MRO para aeronaves em todo o mundo. Como resultado da redução sem precedentes nas viagens aéreas e da paralisação de muitas aeronaves, a manutenção programada foi atrasada ou adiada.

No entanto, à medida que a demanda de viagens aéreas começa a se recuperar e as companhias aéreas retornam à operação plena, surgiu o desafio de reservar vagas de MRO para realizar a manutenção necessária nessas aeronaves. Muitas companhias aéreas estão descobrindo que as instalações de MRO já estão operando a plena capacidade, resultando em longos tempos de espera e possíveis interrupções nas operações das companhias aéreas Espera-se que esse acúmulo de manutenção persista por algum tempo, criando obstáculos aos esforços de recuperação do setor aéreo.

Desafio para encontrar vagas de manutenção de motores V2500 e RR devido à manutenção adiada

As companhias aéreas que operam aeronaves com motores V2500 e RR também estão encontrando dificuldades para programar a manutenção de seus motores devido à alta demanda e disponibilidade limitada. Isso criou uma situação desafiadora, especialmente para as companhias aéreas com grandes frotas de aeronaves desse tipo.

A falta de vagas de manutenção disponíveis forçou as companhias aéreas a paralisar algumas de suas aeronaves, levando a interrupções operacionais e perdas de receita. Além do impacto financeiro, a situação também levanta preocupações de segurança, pois o atraso na manutenção pode comprometer a segurança e a confiabilidade dos motores, podendo levar a problemas mais significativos no futuro.

Os requisitos ESG para uma aviação mais ecológica não desapareceram no médio prazo

A 41ª Assembleia da Organização da Aviação Civil Internacional (OACI), realizada em Montreal em outubro de 2022, foi um marco significativo para o compromisso do setor da aviação com a sustentabilidade. A assembleia se comprometeu com uma Meta Ambiciosa de Longo Prazo (LTAG) para alcançar emissões líquidas zero de CO2 até 2050, o que trouxe as questões de Meio Ambiente, Sociedade e Governança (ESG) para a vanguarda da conversa sobre aviação sustentável.

A meta ambiciosa do LTAG é desafiadora, mas tem o potencial de incentivar as companhias aéreas a acelerar o desenvolvimento e a adoção de combustíveis de aviação mais ecológicos e outras melhorias técnicas para reduzir as emissões de carbono dos voos. Isso exigirá uma mudança significativa na mentalidade de todo o setor, investimento em pesquisa e desenvolvimento e colaboração entre companhias aéreas, fabricantes e governos para alcançar o objetivo de longo prazo.

Após a COVID-19, dívidas com peças de reposição, serviços de MRO e leasing de aeronaves farão com que algumas aeronaves ainda fiquem paradas, o que causará demanda de capacidade

A situação complexa no setor levou as companhias aéreas a contraírem mais dívidas para financiar vários aspectos de suas operações, como peças de reposição, serviços de MRO e leasing de aeronaves. No entanto, o aumento da dívida pendente para o setor pode ter implicações significativas, com algumas companhias aéreas potencialmente lutando para pagar suas dívidas, o que pode resultar em uma redução na capacidade, já que as companhias aéreas são forçadas a paralisar algumas de suas aeronaves ou cortar rotas para minimizar os custos.

Dados internos mostram que a dívida pendente do setor saltou mais de 20% desde 2020, chegando a mais de US$ 300 bilhões. Para levantar capital, as transportadoras aéreas globais venderam US$ 63 bilhões em títulos e empréstimos até agora neste ano.

Contato de mídia:
Silvija Jakiene
Diretora de Comunicações
Avia Solutions Group
silvija.jakiene@aviasg.com
+370 671 22697

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 100081084

Les 10 grands défis des 3 prochaines années pour la durabilité de l’industrie du transport aérien de passagers, selon Gediminas Ziemelis, président d’Avia Solutions Group

DUBLIN, Irlande, 18 mai 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ces dernières années, garantir une exploitation durable est devenu un objectif fondamental pour les entreprises du secteur de l’aviation. Néanmoins, cette industrie changeante est confrontée à une multitude de défis pouvant entraver les efforts dont les entreprises font preuve pour l’optimisation de leur rentabilité. Bien que plusieurs facteurs contribuent aux difficultés du secteur de l’aviation, il est important de mettre l’accent sur ceux qui ont le plus d’impact.

Les taux d’intérêt en dollars, déjà hauts pour les compagnies aériennes fortement endettées, seront encore plus élevés.

Ces dernières années, le secteur de l’aviation a connu une baisse importante de la demande de transport aérien, ce qui a entraîné des pertes financières pour de nombreuses compagnies aériennes. Afin de se maintenir à flot pendant cette période, les compagnies aériennes ont contracté des dettes supplémentaires. Cependant, cet endettement accru a engendré un risque plus élevé pour les créanciers, ce qui s’est ensuite traduit par une hausse des taux d’intérêt pour les compagnies aériennes.

Outre l’impact de la pandémie sur l’industrie, d’autres facteurs tels que la hausse des prix du carburant et l’intensification de la concurrence ont également contribué aux difficultés financières de nombreuses compagnies aériennes. En raison de ces facteurs, il est de plus en plus difficile pour les compagnies aériennes fortement endettées de générer des bénéfices et donc de rembourser leurs dettes, ce qui suscite des inquiétudes quant à la viabilité de leur modèle économique.

La combinaison de ces facteurs fait que les compagnies aériennes fortement endettées sont maintenant confrontées à des taux d’intérêt encore plus élevés, ce qui peut exacerber encore plus leurs difficultés financières.

Des coûts d’assurance beaucoup plus élevés – l’aggravation des risques de guerre pourrait conduire à l’augmentation des primes d’assurance

Le secteur de l’aviation est confronté à une hausse des coûts d’assurance du fait de l’aggravation des risques géopolitiques. Selon les principales compagnies d’assurance, cette situation est fortement influencée par le fait qu’environ 500 avions loués à des opérateurs russes sont toujours bloqués en Russie. Les assureurs sont confrontés à des problèmes de responsabilité éventuelle en raison de la situation incertaine créée par le refus du gouvernement russe de renvoyer ces avions.

En conséquence, les assureurs ont du mal à évaluer le niveau de risque encouru. Cela se traduit par une large fourchette de pertes potentielles, qui selon certaines sources du secteur sont estimées à 30 milliards de dollars. Cette incertitude risque de faire augmenter les primes d’assurance des compagnies aériennes, ce qui aura un impact sur l’ensemble du secteur.

Les passagers se souviendront des compensations disponibles en cas de retard de vol, ce qui aura une incidence sur les coûts imprévus des compagnies aériennes

Le règlement européen 261/2004 prévoit une indemnisation pour les passagers victimes de retards ou d’annulations de vols, de surréservations ou de refus d’embarquement. Selon les circonstances spécifiques, et sous réserve de certaines conditions, les passagers concernés peuvent prétendre à une indemnisation allant de 250 à 600 euros par personne. Avant la pandémie de COVID-19, le taux de retard des vols au sein de l’Union Européenne qui relevait d’une indemnisation était de 1,5 % des vols, avec un montant moyen d’indemnisation de 375 euros par vol retardé.

En 2019, les compagnies aériennes de l’UE ont transporté un total de 1,12 milliard de passagers, avec 1,7 million de vols ayant subi des retards, ce qui a donné lieu à une indemnisation totale de 6,3 milliards d’euros. Seuls 10 % des passagers concernés déposent actuellement des plaintes directement auprès des compagnies aériennes, ou par l’intermédiaire de sociétés de services spécialisées telles que Skycop ou Airhelp.

Toutefois, ce chiffre devrait augmenter de manière significative, du fait qu’après la pandémie de COVID-19, l’industrie devra faire face à des déficits de capacité et autres défis. En conséquence, le nombre de vols retardés pouvant faire l’objet d’une demande d’indemnisation pourrait passer de 1,5 % à 5 % des vols, ce qui pourrait donner lieu à une indemnisation totale de 20 milliards d’euros.

Les défis liés aux moteurs LEAP se traduiront par une augmentation du nombre d’avions au sol et un déficit de capacité

Selon nos recherches internes, le secteur de l’aviation exploite actuellement une flotte de 1397 avions A320neo équipés de moteurs LEAP-1A, soit un total de 3080 moteurs avec une moyenne de 2,2 moteurs par avion, et 1043 avions Boeing 737 MAX équipés de moteurs LEAP-1B, soit un total de 2338 moteurs avec une moyenne de 2,2 moteurs par avion. Il existe 21 sites dans le monde pour la révision et la maintenance des moteurs LEAP-1A, et 22 sites pour les moteurs LEAP-1B.

Cependant, l’immobilisation au sol de 16 000 avions (soit 60 % de la flotte totale) en 2020-2021 a entraîné un report impressionnant de la maintenance de 60 % des moteurs LEAP. En conséquence, il y a désormais un important déficit d’entretien sur 43 sites, entraînant des temps d’attente de 9 à 10 mois pour la maintenance des moteurs. Cette situation pourrait potentiellement perturber les activités des compagnies aériennes.

L’interruption de la production et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement des fabricants d’équipements d’origine au cours de la période 2023-2025 entraînera un déficit de capacité aéronautique

La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu un impact considérable sur l’industrie aérospatiale. Les fabricants d’équipements d’origine (OEM en anglais) tels que Boeing et Airbus ont dû faire face à d’importantes perturbations dans leurs chaînes de production et d’approvisionnement. En réponse au ralentissement économique mondial et à la baisse de la demande de transport aérien, les équipementiers ont réduit leurs niveaux de production d’environ la moitié par rapport aux niveaux pré-Covid. Toutefois, cette situation a entraîné un déficit de capacité aéronautique qui entrave les efforts de rétablissement de l’industrie.

Les réductions de production ont affecté plus de 5 000 fournisseurs de la chaîne d’approvisionnement. Tous les fournisseurs ont dû réduire leurs volumes pendant la pandémie. Par conséquent, il devrait falloir entre deux ans et demi et quatre ans à l’industrie aérospatiale pour retrouver ses niveaux de production d’avant la pandémie de Covid. Cette période de perturbation prolongée risque d’avoir des conséquences importantes pour l’industrie et ses parties prenantes.

En 2020-2021, l’annulation des programmes de formation des pilotes combinée aux départs à la retraite prévus ont provoqué une pénurie de pilotes en 2023-2024, ainsi qu’une augmentation rapide des coûts pour les compagnies aériennes

Le secteur de l’aviation est confrontée à une demande constante de nouveaux pilotes, étant donné qu’environ 3 % des pilotes partent à la retraite chaque année. Cependant, la pandémie de COVID-19 a provoqué un recul important dans l’industrie, tous les programmes de formation de nouveaux pilotes ayant été soit reportés, soit annulés.

Il y a donc maintenant une pénurie importante de pilotes, ce qui entraîne une augmentation rapide des coûts. On estime que l’industrie connaîtra une pénurie de 300 000 pilotes d’ici dix ans. Cette pénurie devrait créer d’importants défis, en particulier en Inde, où l’on s’attend à ce que la pénurie de pilotes soit la plus importante.

Difficultés à réserver des services d’entretien, de réparation et de révision après la pandémie, en raison du report des services d’entretien qui étaient programmés

Un autre problème causé par la pandémie de COVID-19 est une accumulation importante des services d’entretien des appareils au niveau mondial. En raison de la réduction sans précédent du transport aérien et de l’immobilisation au sol de nombreux avions, la maintenance programmée des appareils a été retardée ou reportée.

Néanmoins, alors que la demande de transport aérien commence à se rétablir et que les compagnies aériennes reprennent leurs activités à plein régime, réserver les services d’entretien, de réparation et de révision nécessaires à ces avions est un véritable défi. De nombreuses compagnies aériennes constatent que les installations de services d’entretien fonctionnent déjà à plein rendement, ce qui entraîne des temps d’attente longs et des perturbations potentielles pour les activités des compagnies aériennes. Cette accumulation des travaux d’entretien devrait persister pendant un certain temps, créant des obstacles aux efforts de rétablissement du secteur de l’aviation.

Difficulté à trouver des créneaux pour l’entretien des moteurs V2500 et RR en raison de la maintenance différée.

Les compagnies aériennes qui exploitent des avions équipés de moteurs V2500 et RR rencontrent également des difficultés pour programmer la maintenance de leurs moteurs en raison d’une forte demande et d’une disponibilité limitée. Cela crée une situation difficile, en particulier pour les compagnies aériennes dont la flotte compte un nombre important de ce type d’avion.

Le manque de créneaux disponibles pour la maintenance de ces avions a contraint les compagnies aériennes à immobiliser certains de leurs appareils, causant des perturbations de leurs activités et des pertes de revenus. Outre l’impact financier, la situation pose également des problèmes de sécurité. En effet, les retards de maintenance peuvent compromettre la sécurité et la fiabilité des moteurs, ce qui peut entraîner des problèmes plus importants à l’avenir.

Les critères ESG pour une aviation plus respectueuse de l’environnement n’ont pas disparu à moyen terme

La 41e assemblée de l’Organisation de l’aviation civile internationale (OACI), qui s’est tenue à Montréal en octobre 2022, a marqué une étape importante dans l’engagement du secteur de l’aviation en faveur du développement durable. L’assemblée s’est engagée à atteindre un objectif ambitieux à long terme pour parvenir à des émissions carbones neutres d’ici 2050. Cela a mis les questions d’environnement, de société et de gouvernance (ESG) au premier plan de la conversation sur l’aviation durable.

Cet objectif ambitieux est un véritable défi, mais a le potentiel d’encourager les compagnies aériennes à accélérer le développement et l’adoption de carburants plus écologiques ainsi que d’autres améliorations techniques pour décarboniser les vols. Pour atteindre cet objectif à long terme, un changement de mentalité important dans l’ensemble du secteur, des investissements dans la recherche et le développement, et une collaboration entre les compagnies aériennes, les fabricants et les gouvernements seront nécessaires.

Après le Covid, les créances pour les pièces détachées, les services de maintenance, et la location d’avions auront pour conséquence que certains appareils seront encore bloqués au sol, conduisant à une demande de capacité

La situation difficile du secteur a poussé les compagnies aériennes à s’endetter davantage pour financer divers aspects de leurs activités, tels que les pièces détachées, les services de maintenance et les locations d’appareils. Toutefois, l’augmentation de la dette existante du secteur pourrait avoir des conséquences importantes. Certaines compagnies aériennes auront du mal à rembourser leurs dettes, entraînant potentiellement une réduction de leur capacité car elles seront contraintes d’immobiliser certains de leurs appareils ou de supprimer des trajets pour minimiser les coûts.

Les données d’Insider montrent que la dette existante de l’industrie a bondi de plus de 20 % depuis 2020, atteignant plus de 300 milliards de dollars. Pour lever des fonds, les transporteurs aériens mondiaux ont vendu pour 63 milliards de dollars d’obligations et de prêts depuis le début de l’année.

Contact média :
Silvija Jakiene
Directrice de la communication
Avia Solutions Group
silvija.jakiene@aviasg.com
+370 671 22697

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000810847

Ratification, enforcement of AU protocol on free movement a priority – Africans Rising

African leaders have been advised to give priority to the ratification and enforcement of the African Union (AU) Protocol on the Free Movement of People.

This is necessary to engender integration, inter-African trade and investment, mobilisation and utilisation of the human and material resources to achieve self-reliance and development.

Africans Rising, a Pan-African movement, said the free flow of people, goods and services within the corridors of the continent without hindrances, was needed to enhance deeper engagements and cooperation.

This was contained in a statement issued by the movement, initialed by Ms. Ann Njagi, Communications and Media Specialist, Africans Rising, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Accra.

In January 2018, the AU adopted a protocol supporting the free movement of persons between the countries on the continent.

According to the most recent status report, 32 countries have signed the Free Movement of Persons (FMP) Protocol, and only four of those countries have rati?ed it, and submitted their instruments of rati?cation.

The coming into force of the Protocol requires a minimum of 15 countries to complete and submit their instruments of rati?cation.

Africans Rising, in its statement, argued that there seemed to be little enthusiasm for the adoption and implementation of the Protocol, saying this did not augur well for the continent’s growth.

The statement said the movement had decided to embark on one of the biggest campaigns across the continent to rally the leaders to ratify and enforce the Protocol as it marks the African Liberation Week, slated for May 22 to 28.

Every year, Africans Rising mobilises thousands of people across the continent and the Diaspora under the banner of African Liberation Week (ALW), to commemorate Pan-African cooperation and solidarity.

The mass mobilisation is drawn from the African Liberation Day, which is observed annually on May 25, to mark the founding of the AU, created in 1963.

This year, the Day marks exactly 60 years since the formation of the Union.

The statement noted that this year’s milestone coincides with the African Rising’s campaign, dubbed: ‘#BorderlessAfrica’.

The campaign, launched during the 2022 All-African Movement Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, is advocating the ratification and enforcement of the AU protocol on the free movement of people and goods on the continent.

The statement said the movement would also observe the African Liberation Week discussing other sub-themes, including the fight against inequality, food security, energy and climate change.

In his perspective of the Week, Mr. Hardi Yakubu, Africans Rising Movement Coordinator, said: ‘The geopolitical whirlwinds we see today demand that we build strength and prosper together, which can only happen through unity and Pan-African solidarity.’

‘We must ask ourselves whether or not we are prepared to emerge from these as drawers of water and hewers of wood as we have been for the past centuries.’

Last year, under the theme, ‘Africa for Africans’, the African Liberation Week mobilisation engaged more than 500 actions across 46 countries in Africa and the diaspora.

Africans Rising is a global Pan-African movement of people and organisations working for unity, justice, peace and dignity.

Launched in 2017, the movement provides a space for progressive African civil society leaders and groups engaged in various civic struggles to convene, connect, collaborate, share knowledge and build solidarity among people and across issues.

African integration, addressing inequalities, human rights, peace and unity, as well as working towards a ‘borderless Africa’ remain prominent on the movement’s agenda.

Source: Ghana News Agency

GJA constitutes committees to promote professionalism

The National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has constituted statutory and other committees to assist in promoting professionalism in the media space.

The committees are in pursuant to articles 30 and 31 of the GJA 2004 Constitution.

The Committees are the Membership Vetting Committee, Professional Development Committee, Social Affairs Committee, International Relations Committee and Finance and Resource Mobilisation Committee.

The Committees would be inaugurated on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Ghana International Press Centre.

This is in a statement signed by Mr Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary, GJA, and issued to the Ghana News Agency.

Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the GJA President, chairs the Membership Vetting Committee.

Other members of the Committee are A. B. Kafui Kanyi, Ghana News Agency; Seth Eyiah, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation; Mary Mensah, Daily Graphic, and Nana Yaa Konadu, UTV.

Mr Yeboah is the Chairman of the Professional Development Committee.

The members are Tina Aforo-Yeboah, former Editor of Spectator; Ekuoba Gyasi, Atinka FM; Daniel Kenu, Daily Graphic, and Ernest Obeng-Anim, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

The GJA National Organising Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi, is the chairman of the Social Affairs Committee.

The members are Grace Nana Esi Boateng, Oman FM; John Vigah, Ghanaian Times; Peter Ankomah, Daily Dispatch, and Alice Tettey, Ghana News Agency, Cape Coast.

Mrs Linda Asante Agyei, the Vice President, GJA, chairs the International Relations Committee.

The members are Mr Ramsey Benambe, Ghana News Agency; Suleiman Mustapha, Daily Graphic; Nii Odartey Lamptey, Ghana Broadasting Corporation; and Zambaga Rufai, Metro TV.

Mrs Audrey Dekalu, GJA Treasurer, chairs the Finance and Resource Mobilisation Committee.

The members are Donald Ato Dapatem, Daily Graphic; Samuel Ofori Ayim, Atinka FM; Mabel Aku Baneseh,CREDICOMMS Limited, and Yaa Oforiwaa Asare Peasah, a former General Manager, Ghana News Agency.

The Ethics and Disciplinary Council is chaired by Col (Rtd) Mbawine Atintande, a former Director of the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The members are Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor, The Insight: Betty Apau-Oppong, former Director of News, GTV; Tanko Musah Zakaria, lecturer, University of Media, Arts and Communication Studies and Private Legal Practitioner, and Mavis Kitcher, former Director of News, Graphic Communications Group Limited.

Mr Seth J. Bokpe of the Fourth Estate is a non-member Secretary to the Council.

Article 30(a)(vi) of the GJA Constitution mandates the National Executive to establish committees other than the statutory committees as it may deem appropriate.

The National Executive has established the Project Management Committee and the Social Media Visibility Committee, both chaired by Ms Rebecca Ekpe, the GJA Public Affairs Officer.

The members are Vance Azu, a former Night Editor, Daily Graphic; Michael Mawugbe, Editor, Sena Radio Online; Maame Efua Mensah, UTV; Emmanuel Amponsah, a former Editor, The Spectator; Fred Smith, Joy FM, and Kissi Yeboah, formerly of the Ghana News Agency.

Kojo Mpraim of the Media Foundation for West Africa is a co-opted member of the PMC.

The Social Media Visibility Committee members are Mrs Gertrude Nyavie, Graphic Online; Mr Richard Mensah, citifmonline; Komla Adom, TV3, and Mabel Adorkor Annan, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr Solomon Fosu, an IT specialist, is a co-opted member of the committee.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Electricity Company of Ghana’s cashless system rolled out in Volta and Oti

Mr Michael Buabin, acting General Manager of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Volta Region, says the company’s cashless system of transactions introduced recently has been enrolled in the Volta and Oti regions.

He said presently, no ECG office accepts cash during transactions such as payment of bills or purchasing of prepaid credit.

‘Customers with smart phones can access this cashless system by downloading the ECG PowerApp from Google play store or App store and follow the prompts to pay their postpaid bills or purchase prepaid credit for smart meters,’ Mr Buabin noted.

The system announced by the Company on May 11, is being rolled out across all 11 districts of the two regions, namely; Denu, Keta, Sogakope, Akatsi, Ho, Kpeve, Hohoe, Kpando, Jasikan, Nkwanta and Dambai.

Mr Buabin addressing the media noted that following the enhancement of the ECG PowerApp, customers could now do cashless business with ECG anywhere and anytime.

He noted that customers without smart phones could dial *226# to access the cashless system for all transactions.

Mr Buabin said the system was part of efforts to digitalise the company’s operations to make it efficient and also provide convenience for customers.

‘Our customers are always at the heart of everything we do since without them we are not in business so we will keep enhancing our operations to provide convenience for them and enable them access our services with ease.’

He said prior to the introduction of the system, customers had to travel from far places to transact business with the company, which caused some inconveniences to them looking at the cost of transportation and the risk involved.

He said with the introduction of the system, the inconvenience caused had been reduced as customers could sit in the comfort of their homes and transact real time business with ECG.

Mr Buabin noted that with postpaid meters, customers needed to add their account numbers after logging onto the app, but with prepaid meters, the system required meter number of customers.

He advised customers to be vigilant and confirm their details when they added the meter or account numbers to ensure their details were correct before clicking the ‘THIS IS CORRECT’ button on the app.

Mr Buabin said they must also do so before making payment to ensure payment of bills was done for the right account.

He said customers who intended to pay their bills or purchase prepaid with cheque could also do same via the app by generating a cheque pay-in slip number and make payment at any bank.

He announced that customers who still wished to visit ECG offices to pay their bills or buy prepaid should load the money on their mobile money wallet before going to the offices.

Mr Buabin said third party prepaid vendors would still sell prepaid to customers who visit them as they have always been doing.

He revealed that the region was embarking on an intensive campaign to sensitize customers on how to use the system and its benefits.

‘We have adopted strategies to ensure our customers understand what is happening, know how to use the app and the shortcode and also the benefits of this system.

‘We have done jingles which will be played on radio stations, we have caused announcements, commenced radio education, town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements to ensure all our customers are well informed.’

He assured customers that the company would continue to provide convenience for customers and urged them to visit the nearest office or contact ECG via 0302611611 for further assistance.

Mr Buabin appealed to customers to pay their bills promptly since the company was still on its revenue mobilization exercise after the national exercise ended on 20th April 2023.

Madam Cynthia Amu, a nurse at the Ho Teaching Hospital and a resident of Ho Power House, expressed her satisfaction with the progress of work by ECG to enhance this App.

‘I have been using the App for more than a year after my old meter was replaced with the smart prepaid meter.’

She said the App was unstable initially as it took days before credit purchased reflected but had been stable for the past month.

Mr James Adjei, a fridge repairer at Breweniase in the Nkwanta District of ECG indicated that prior to the system, he had to close his shop and travel from Breweniase to Nkwanta to pay his bills, which was stressful since the bill collector was not coming around frequently.

He said during a community engagement in January this year with ECG on preventing bushfires, he got to know of the shortcode *226# and had since paid his bills without travelling.

Source: Ghana News Agency

We’ve helped in consolidating Ghana’s democracy – NCCE

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says it has helped in consolidating the country’s democracy through effective and efficient civic education delivery.

In a community engagement with congregants of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Mmofrafadwene in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern region, Mr Ernest Eli Kwame Billy, the District NCCE Director, said despite challenges, the Commission had performed satisfactorily with the support of other stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme: ’30 years of consolidating constitutional democracy: Building national cohesion through civic education and participation in local governance,’ Mr Billy urged the citizenry to guard against any form of violation of the constitution as stipulated in article three to strengthen the country’s democracy.

He said the populace must endeavour to live in peace with each other and report any crime or suspicious character with the tendency to undermine the country’s peace and democracy.

The engagement is part of activities marking the 2023 Constitution Week celebration.

Mr Billy informed the congregants that there would soon be Assembly and Unit Committee elections and urged those eligible to fully participate in them.

He said their participation was necessary to bring development to the grassroots.

He reminded them that the District Assembly and Unit Committee elections were non-partisan.

Touching on some of the roles of Assembly and Unit Committee members as enshrined in the Local Governance Act, Act 936 and Local Government (Urban, Zonal and Town Councils and Unit Committees) Establishment Instrument 2010, Mr Billy said an Assembly member was expected to maintain close contact with the electoral area of the Assembly, consult the people on issues to be discussed in the Assembly, collate their views, opinions, and proposals, and present same to the Assembly.

He said an Assembly member must also maintain frequent liaison with organised productive economic groupings and other persons in the District, and take part in communal and development activities.

For Unit Committee members, the District Director said they were responsible to the Assembly through the Urban, Zonal or Town Councils.

He said the Commission would continue to deliver on its mandate and called on all stakeholders for support.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Team Ministry of Education retains 2023 FEDUGAM with 33 medals

Team Federal Ministry of Education has emerged champion of the 2023 Federal Education Sector Games (FEDUGAM) hosted by the Nasarawa State University, Keffi on Thursday.

The team emerged champion to push Team National Examinations Council (NECO) to second place after winning 14 gold, 15 silver and four bronze to top the medals tables.

NECO finished the games with seven gold, eight silver and 10 bronze medals, while National Universities Commission (NUC) garnered four gold, three silver and three bronze to cement their third place finish.

Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, while declaring the games closed urged losers to prepare stronger for next year’s edition.

Opiah who was represented by Dr Uche Ubah, Director, Colleges of Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education, said efforts were on to ensure more agencies and parastatals participate in the fourth edition.

“Like I mentioned during the opening, the joy of the games is far beyond the attempt to win at all cost.

“Once again, the winner should be humble in victory while others who could not win, have another opportunity in the next edition.

“Measures are being put in place by the Permanent Secretary and the management of the ministry to ensure the participation of more agencies through their chief executives.

“In this note, I congratulate all the winners in this third edition while encouraging other participants to put more effort in the next edition and I hereby declare the games closed,” he said.

Consultant of the Games, Matthew Okeyinka, said they had already started planning on the fourth edition to surpass the achievements of the third edition.

“We are seeking to have more partners to boost our performance for next year’s event and we can only do that through sponsorship.

“It is our belief that every edition will be better than the previous,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that defending champions, Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund) defeated National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) 3-0 to retain the football event trophy of the games.

TETFund had won the trophy three times since the commencement of the games.

NAN reports that only eight out of 24 agencies and parastatals including the supervising ministry participated in the three-day event which started on May 15 and ended on May 17 at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

No fewer than 500 sports men and women participated in football, scrabble, badminton, table tennis, volleyball and handball.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria