Translation: L’industrie aérienne presse les gouvernements africains d’aligner les programmes API et PNR sur les normes mondiales (pdf)
Nairobi, Johannesburg, Amman – The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged African States to implement Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and global best practices.
API and PNR systems provide governments with passenger information ahead of travel, helping to strengthen border security, support law enforcement efforts, and facilitate the movement of legitimate travelers. It is essential, however, that African States implementing API and PNR do so in alignment with internationally agreed standards, supported by clear legal and operational frameworks. These include:
- Legality: Establish a clear legal framework aligned with international API and PNR standards, including applicable bilateral or regional agreements. It should define the required data and designate a single responsible authority.
- Proportionality: Collect only data necessary for the intended purpose, in line with Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information adopted by the World Customs Organization/IATA/ICAO and ICAO Guidelines on Passenger Name Record Data. Data should be retained for a defined period and risk assessment measures should include safeguards against discrimination.
- Purpose: Use collected information only for legitimate reasons such as border control, security, law enforcement, and prevention of serious crimes.
- Consistency and Accuracy: Follow harmonized global formats for data collection, and store and transfer data securely.
The organizations also urged governments not to fund API and PNR national border security programs through charges imposed on airlines and/or passengers. ICAO's Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082) make clear that border security is a government responsibility and that related costs, including those associated with API and PNR programs, should be funded by governments rather than airlines or passengers. Imposing API and PNR fees on airlines to fund government border security programs increases the cost of travel, undermines connectivity, and weakens the economic benefits that aviation generates through tourism, trade, and investment.
"We support the implementation of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data transfer and recognize the important role passenger data plays in keeping borders secure. However, these systems must be aligned around internationally recognized standards and funded correctly. A consistent approach, with governments and industry working together, improves security outcomes, makes travel more seamless, safeguards personal data, and avoids unnecessary costs and complexity. As Africa continues to strengthen air connectivity, AFRAA, AASA, and IATA remain committed to working with governments, regional institutions, and international partners to support the successful implementation of passenger data programs that enhance security while enabling safe, efficient, and affordable air transport," said Abdérahmane Berthé, Secretary General of AFRAA, Aaron Munetsi, CEO of AASA, and Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East in a joint statement.
For more information, please contact:
IATA Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Communications
Tel: +254 20 2324144/8
Email: afraa@afraa.org
AASA
Tel: +27 82 568 8031
Email: linden@planetalking.co.za
Notes for Editors:
- IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents over 370 airlines accounting for some 85% of global air traffic.
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- The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is the leading trade association of African airlines. Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development. AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Visit AFRAA for announcements, policy positions and other industry information
- The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) is the representative airline body mandated to advocate for the interests of airlines in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). AASA represents the interests of airlines in the SADC regional economic bloc on matters relating to government policies, legislation, regulations, planning, operational efficiency, safety, security, taxes, charges, and fees. AASA plays the critical role of advocacy on behalf of its Airline Members to ensure their views on topical matters are heard by pertinent stakeholders. AASA focuses on matters that have a direct impact on the sustainability of its Airline Members as they seek to continue with the provision of affordable and accessible air transport services throughout the SADC region and beyond. AASA was established in 1970 and currently has 16 Airline Members and 41 Associate Members. Its Associate Members are comprised of infrastructure service providers such as ground handling companies and allied industry bodies, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and other aviation industry suppliers.
