The Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Abdérahmane Berthé highlighted the efforts being carried out to expedite the implementation of a Single African Air Transport Market.
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, to create a single unified air transport market in Africa, liberalize civil aviation, and drive the continent’s economic integration agenda.
The Declaration on the establishment of a Single Africa Air Transport Market was adopted by the African Union (AU) Assembly in 2015, ENA reported.
SAATM was formally established and launched on 29 January 2018 by African Heads of State and Government.
It is to be recalled that 17 African countries, including Ethiopia, have agreed to start the single market for air transport on a trial basis.
The agreement removes restrictions imposed by African-owned airlines on commercial and market-oriented flights from one country to another.
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé told ENA that several obstacles prevent the African aviation industry from growing as expected.
Lack of sufficient air transport in the continent and the growing inflation are some of these bottlenecks, he indicated.
Abdérahmane mentioned that we are at a time when policymakers should work with focus to overcome the challenges of the sector and to accelerate the single air transport market in Africa.
He stated that the implementation of a single African air transport market will play a greater role in the development of the aviation industry and the expansion of mutual market connections.
The secretary-general stated that many countries have signed the agreement, however, he stressed the need for swift implementation.
According to him, the association is working closely with the relevant bodies to accelerate its implementation.
Especially, he pointed out that the African Civil Aviation Commission is working on the issue.
When the African Free Trade Zone is implemented, the Single African Air Transport Market will play a greater role in the expansion of the continent’s market, he added.
Therefore, he stressed the need to use the market potentials in the air transport sector and work together for the development of air transportation in the continent.
Source: ENA
