The FINANCIAL -- A newly launched web portal offers lessors, government officials, and airlines an expert source for the various aviation laws across Africa and a directory of aviation-experienced attorneys ready to help.

According to General Electric Company, the Aviation - Education, Resource & Information for African Lawyers network, is a not-for-profit initiative set up and sponsored by GE Capital Aviation Services Limited, the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE. It is open to both private-practice and in-house lawyers and is free to join.

Lawyers in the network can use the portal to share information and expertise on African countries' aviation laws, Cape Town ratification, and open skies treaties, as well as share knowledge on noise, safety, or environmental issues.

The AERIAL portal launched with members in 20 different African countries. In addition, the African Airlines Association has thrown their support behind the project.

GE forecasts that the aviation industry in Africa will continue to grow as economic conditions improve and more of the 1 billion people on the continent choose to travel by air. In addition, GE estimates approximately 25 percent of the Western-built narrow body aircraft currently operating in Africa will be retired in the near term. Currently, GECAS leases 74 aircraft with airlines in 13 different African countries.

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