SOUTHERN AFRICA – The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), has appointed Aaron Munetsi has been appointed as its new chief executive officer, with effect from 27 September 2021.
Munetsi takes the helm from Wrenelle Stander who is leaving the industry body to take up a new position with Wesgro, promoting and developing in tourism and economic development in the Western Cape.
Stander only took up the position of AASA CEO during the middle of July. She replaced Chris Zweigenthal, who retired after 19 years in the post.
“Aaron is reputed for his industry knowledge and formidable network of relationships that he has built over his more than 30 years of commercial and aero political experience in the airline industry. He has worked in Southern, Eastern and West Africa as well as the Middle East for airlines in the public and private sector, with industry bodies and as a consultant on aero political affairs, all of which make him a natural fit and a great asset for AASA as its new CEO,” said AASA Chairperson, Elmar Conradie.
Munetsi holds diplomas and certificates in marketing, strategic management and leadership from the University of Zimbabwe, University of Witwatersrand Graduate Business School and the Gordon Institute for Business Studies.
“Aaron is reputed for his industry knowledge and formidable network of relationships that he has built over his more than 30 years of commercial and aero political experience in the airline industry”
“I am looking forward to leading AASA and building on the solid base that has been prepared by my predecessors and its team. I intend to apply my broad industry experience to find common ground with policymakers, legislators, regulators and our industry partners in developing solutions to the key issues facing airlines throughout the Southern Africa Development Community,” said Munetsi.
He held several commercial management positions at South African Airways, including Regional Manager for Africa and the Middle East and as its Acting Chief Commercial Officer.
For 10 years, Mr. Munetsi served on the board of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Business and After leaving SAA in 2018 he joined the African Airlines Association for a stint as its Director: Government, Legal and Industry Affairs.
For the past year, he has been working as an aero political and business strategy advisor to airlines.
AASA is the representative body for airlines in the Southern African Development Community and the Indian Ocean islands.
It also has 38 associate members, including aircraft and engine manufacturers, airport companies, air traffic navigation service providers, fuel companies and ground handlers.
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