African nations open their skies to each other

Seventeen African nations are to open their skies to each other in a first for the continent: a single African air transport market between their territories.

Intra-african air travel, under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) – an initiative of the African Union to create a unified air transport market in Africa – is edging closer to reality, after 17 countries committed to a pilot programme.

In Dakar on November 14, the ministers of transport and aviation from South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Côte d’ivoire, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Morocco, Togo, Niger and Gabon launched the SAATM pilot to open their air transport markets to each other.

At the meeting – on the 23rd anniversary of the Yamoussoukro Decision – the nations also agreed to streamline their national airline service agreements.

The Yamoussoukro Decision is an African Union treaty establishing a framework for liberalising air transport services on the continent. Currently, 35 African countries are signatories.

Despite the treaty, most African airlines are still under protectionist policies.

But SAATM, backed by key agencies such as the African Civil Aviation Commission, is keen to proceed with clear actions and timelines.

The 35 signatories constitute over 80% of the continent’s aviation market.

In a 2020 report, Geopolitical Intelligence Services estimates there are 731 airports in Africa, half of which are internationally served by about 419 airlines.

A successful SAATM would have immense benefits for the continent, especially with trade activity coming alive in the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).

According to the International Air Transport Association, IATA, “SAATM will open up Africa’s skies and promote the value of aviation throughout the continent by boosting traffic, driving economies and creating jobs.”

A 2014 survey by IATA estimates that liberalisation of 12 African air markets could generate 155,000 jobs and attract about $1.3bn (R20bn) annually to the GDPS of the individual markets.

A more recent study commissioned by the African Union predicts 596,000 new jobs, not to mention a 27% reduction in airfares and a substantial contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UN-SDGS.

The DRC and Cote d’ivoire are the most recent to commit to bilateral agreements along SAATM guidelines.

South Africa, a key player in the continental air travel market, is strengthening its capacity by opening up smaller airports and elevating them to meet continental standards.

For instance, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, 27km northeast of Nelspruit, will receive intercontinental flights. Flight 4Y142 from Frankfurt, Germany, via Namibia landed in the facility for the first time on November 16.

The tourism-rich city of Mbombela is projected to reap big from the upscaling of Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

Recently signed bilateral agreements between Kenya and SA add to a long list of African agreements that offer a base point for realising the dream of a single African air market. — bird story agency

Intra-african air travel, under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is edging closer to reality, after 17 countries committed to a pilot programme