Aviation AFRICA 2025 attracts headline speakers

Organisers are pleased to announce that renowned airline CEO and now financier James Hogan will be speaking at the event.

Australian Hogan held leadership roles in the aviation industry, including Etihad Airways and Gulf Air.

James was the President and CEO of Etihad Aviation Group from 2006 to 2017, during which time he transformed the airline into a major global player with diverse interests in Air Seychelles, Air Berlin, Air Serbia and Alitalia.

After leaving the Abu Dhabi carrier he founded the UAE headquartered financial investment firm and consultancy, Knighthood Capital. He was joined at the firm by former Etihad CFO - and now CEO of Knighthood - James Rigney, who will also be speaking at the Kigali summit.

Knighthood is a strong believer in the future for African aviation.

The firm was recently appointed by the government of Mozambique to advise on the restructuring of LAM Mozambique.

Maputo-based LAM has been going through some turbulence over recent years, including financial difficulties, management changes, network cuts and operational disruption, with several of its own aircraft out of service.

Hogan, Rigney and team is working with LAM’s new shareholders on a restructuring which will include the goal to procure the appropriate aircraft and re-establish a fleet and review LAM’s governance as part of the process.

Former Air Serbia CEO, Dane Kondić, will also be speaking on the airline panel.

“We are thrilled that Hogan, Rigney and Kondić will be with us in Kigali,” said Summit Chairman Alan Peaford. “They have all experienced the highs and lows of the airline business, but have great insight, and the LAM project will be of great interest.”

 The two-day Summit takes place at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) – alongside the Radisson Blu Hotel - on September 4th and 5th September.