The African Union Commission has called for a single African air transport market, saying it is critical to agenda 2063.
The chairperson of the AU commission, Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, stated this in a meeting with a delegation of the African Airlines Association to discuss the importance of the aviation sector in the socio-economic transformation of the continent.
In a statement issued by the commission on Friday, Zuma noted that a single continental air transport was vital.
“Connecting Africa through aviation and other transport infrastructure is critical to integration, intra-Africa trade, as well as to tourism, economic growth and development more generally.
“The sector is also an important creator of jobs and critical skills on the continent. The aviation sector is strategic for the implementation of Agenda 2063,” the statement said.
According to the AU, the discussions on African open skies have been ongoing in the last two decades resulting in the adoption of the Yamoussoukro Decision by African Heads of State and Government in 2000.
Over the last decade, with sustained economic growth on the continent, the commission also observed that a growing middle class and more tourists and businesses were coming to Africa, adding that the delays have been at Africa’s peril, with loss of market share by African airlines, from 60 per cent in the early 90s to fewer than 20 per cent at present.
“The meeting considered what needs to be done to remove the blockages towards the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on the Liberalisation of Air Transport Markets in Africa and to move towards the creation of a single African aviation market,” the statement added.
Speaking at the meeting, AFRAA Secretary-General, Dr. Elija Chingosho, highlighted the importance of the liberalisation of the continent’s air market to be accessible by all citizens.
He said, “Air transport should be affordable for everyone, not just be monopolised for the rich and the wealthy. As a continent we are subsidising the industry for international carriers.”
Chingosho also commended the timeliness and importance of convening the meeting at a time when African aviation occupies just 20 per cent of market share in Africa.
“As an immediate follow up, the AU Commission’s Department of Infrastructure and Energy will convene a meeting of African aviation experts to be held at the end of October 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya. They will iron out the technical issues that will facilitate the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, to move towards the single African aviation market, and come up with recommendations for Member states.
“The AU Commission will continue to engage with all stakeholders in the aviation sector to accelerate the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision,” the regional body commission stated. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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