The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, says the aviation industry is in need of a unified approach to survival and growth, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mutorwa said this at the opening of the Aviation and Connectivity Forum, where he was joined by the Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnar.

The Aviation and Connectivity Forum seeks to discuss how aviation can play a central role in the attainment of national aspirations as well as address connectivity issues around the country and the African continent.

In his address, Mutorwa called for the introduction of domestic and international routes, which will lower fares as well as increase the capacity of aircraft.

On his part, Finland's Minister for Development, Cooperation, and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinari, emphasized that he is happy that the two countries have made strides in civil aviation through bilateral cooperation.

The chairperson for the Namibia Airports Company, Dr. Leake Hangala, says there is a need for effective dialogue in the aviation sector to transform it.

Discussion during the forum will include regulatory reforms, training and skills development, route development, regional and international connectivity, infrastructure investment, and sustainability in the Namibian aviation sector.