Aviation industry calls for standardized API, PNR programs in Africa
Dhaka: Three aviation industry organizations have called on African governments to bring their Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems in line with global standards.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued the joint appeal, urging alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and global best practices.
API and PNR systems give governments passenger data ahead of travel, which helps strengthen border security, aid law enforcement, and ease the movement of legitimate travelers.
The three bodies said African states must implement these systems within clear legal and operational frameworks built on four clear legal and operational frameworks.
The first is legality, meaning states should set up a legal framework matching international API and PNR standards, including relevant bilateral or regional pacts, and assign one authority to oversee it.
The second is proportionality, under which only data necessary for a stated purpose should be collected, in keeping with joint guidelines from the World Customs Organization, IATA, and ICAO, with data retained for a fixed period and safeguards in place against discriminatory profiling.
The third principle is purpose, meaning the information gathered should be used strictly for legitimate reasons, such as border control, security, law enforcement, and preventing serious crimes.
The fourth is consistency and accuracy, which calls for harmonized global formats in data collection along with secure storage and transfer practices.
Beyond the frameworks, the organizations pressed governments not to finance national API and PNR border security programs by levying charges on airlines or passengers.
They pointed to ICAO's Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082), which states that border security remains a government responsibility, and related costs, including those tied to API and PNR programs, should be covered by states rather than the aviation industry.
The groups warned that imposing such fees on airlines drives up travel costs, weakens connectivity, and undercuts the broader economic gains aviation brings through tourism, trade, and investment.
In a joint statement, AFRAA Secretary General Abdérahmane Berthé, AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi, and IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East Kamil Alawadhi said the associations back the rollout of API and PNR data transfer and recognize its role in border security.
They added that the systems must be built on internationally recognized standards and properly funded, noting that a coordinated approach between governments and industry improves security outcomes while making travel more seamless.
The officials said such cooperation also protects personal data and helps avoid unnecessary costs and complexity for travelers.
As African air connectivity continues to expand, the three organizations reaffirmed their commitment to working with governments, regional institutions, and international partners to support passenger data programs that strengthen security without compromising affordability or efficiency in air transport.
