The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana Limited, partnered the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to bring together stakeholders in the Aviation industry from Africa, Middle East and Europe at the just ended Summit and Gala Night Dinner. The summit which took place at Marriott Hotel, in Accra was aimed at discussing the theme, ‘Aviation Business for Regional Prosperity’. The event brought together more than 200 distinguished aviation decision-makers and influencers, representing Airlines, Airport Managers, Regulatory Authorities, Government Agencies, Air navigators, International and Regional Organizations, Aviation Suppliers and Aircraft Manufacturers. In his goodwill message, the CEO of UBA, Mr Isong Udom, reiterated the importance of the Aviation Industry in Economic Growth, Tourism and Regional Integration. He maintained that the industry remains one of the most critical components of National Development for any Nation. Mr Udom said that in a highly globalised world where technology innovations are breaking barriers to Economic and Social integrations, the Aviation Industry and more specifically IATA occupies a very important position in enabling smooth movement of people and resources across wide geographical divides. The prosperity of Nations will depend not only in their internal strengths but their ability to collaborate with other nations and IATA has facilitated that seamless relationship between Nations through the critical roles it plays in this important industry, he added.  Mr Isong emphasised that United Bank for Africa’s relationship with IATA was made possible by IATA’s extensive investment in Technology for its operations and the Bank’s strong digital capabilities which brings uncommon synergies between the two institutions. “Our collaboration leverages our robust Digital Banking Infrastructure to provide such services as Payments and Collections, Treasury Management Services, Transaction Services, Account Aggregation and strong Reporting capabilities across many countries where we have common footprints,” he said. He added, “this dynamic relationship has seen us grow our partnerships over the years.” Mr Udom stated that the IATA Conference provides a very unique networking opportunity for all stakeholders and informed the participants. “The networking underscores the decision of UBA to sponsor the Gala Night which will give participants the opportunity to explore business relationships under a very relaxed atmosphere,” he explained. He promised that UBA will use this rare opportunity to interact and present a more granular version of its custom offerings to every sector in the aviation value chain. “More importantly listen attentively to the challenges and expectations of the delegates with a view to providing tailor-made solution to these needs. He commended the aviation sector in Ghana for providing world-class aviation infrastructure and also  Aviation Safety. Also speaking at the event, the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, charged stakeholders in the aviation industry to collaborate and work to minimise air transport fares, as well as improve connectivity within the sub-region.  He called for the strengthening, coordination and harmonisation in regional policies to ensure a vibrant aviation industry. He also indicated that Ghana made giant strides in the development of domestic air travel by abolishing VAT on airfares and there has been significant growth in local travels by air. the vice president also hinted that plans are far advanced to inaugurate a national carrier and government  is working with the private sector and international investors to realise this ambition within the shortest possible time. The IATA Aviation Summit is Africa and Middle East (AME) region’s biggest industry event of the year. UBA is pleased to have partnered with IATA to make the 2019 Summit a success.