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Istanbul – Al Wadi Newspaper
The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) participated in the 17th Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference (GHAC) held in Istanbul, Turkey, from October 15 to 17, 2025, with broad participation from representatives of aviation authorities, humanitarian organizations, and air transport experts from around the world.
The South Sudanese delegation was headed by Mr. John Woja Elinana, Director General of the SSCAA, accompanied by Mr. Jule Andrew, Deputy IT Manager at the SSCAA and Chief Air Transport Officer for the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS – WFP). The participation came in response to an invitation from Dr. Franklin Frimpong, Chief of Aviation Services and Supply Chain Delivery at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
This year’s conference was held under the theme “Sustaining Lifelines: Confronting Funding Cuts in Humanitarian Aviation and Ensuring Operational Continuity.” Participants discussed the financial and operational challenges facing humanitarian air transport services globally, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and effective resource management to ensure the continued provision of vital air support to vulnerable communities despite funding constraints and limited infrastructure.
The three-day conference featured panel discussions, technical sessions, and interactive presentations that addressed key topics such as operational sustainability amid reduced funding, the adoption of modern technologies to enhance safety and efficiency, capacity building, and strengthening partnerships among aviation stakeholders, international organizations, and manufacturers. The sessions also highlighted the role of humanitarian aviation in responding to crises and natural disasters, underscoring the need for joint efforts to sustain this vital sector.
The SSCAA delegation actively participated throughout the conference, sharing experiences, learning from other nations and organizations, and exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnership with various aviation bodies, humanitarian agencies, and private sector companies. The delegation also toured the exhibition area, which showcased the latest advancements in aviation technology and humanitarian logistics solutions.
In remarks on the sidelines of the event, Mr. John Woja Elinana, Director General of the SSCAA, stated that South Sudan’s participation in this international conference reflects the country’s commitment to developing its civil aviation capabilities and enhancing international cooperation in support of humanitarian operations, noting that aviation remains a vital lifeline for delivering humanitarian assistance to remote communities.
The conference concluded with social events, including a welcome reception and networking dinner, during which several women in aviation were recognized for their valuable contributions to the industry.
The participation of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority in this global event underscores its strong commitment to advancing aviation safety standards, fostering innovation, and enhancing South Sudan’s presence in international civil aviation forums.
