CITIZENS COMPASS— In an article for CNN’s Global Perspectives, Rebecca Cairns delves into the opportunity for growth within Africa’s aviation sector.
Many of the continent’s capitals and largest cities have no direct flights, or very limited schedules, which often means travellers end up making multiple layovers, typically in Europe or the Middle East.
“The biggest challenge is market access, in the context of allowing airlines to move passengers freely in and out of the African cities without the restrictions that currently exist,” says Raphael Kuuchi, consulting director of government, legal and industry affairs at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
The continent’s aviation sector largely operates on bilateral air service agreements; contracts made between individual countries that restrict which airlines can operate specific routes.
Many groups, including AFRAA, are trying to move the continent toward a single aviation market, like the European Union (EU), which allows any EU airline to operate any route within the territory, and removes restrictions on operations like pricing and frequency, provided airports have slots available.
In addition to lack of connectivity, Africa’s aviation sector is plagued with high costs, infrastructure challenges, regulatory constraints and safety concerns, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The region needs more investment in infrastructure, safety oversight and regional hubs: the African Development Bank estimates a $25 billion funding gap by 2040.
“Africa is one of the fastest-growing markets when it comes to aviation,” says Kuuchi, adding that there are now coordinated efforts between organizations including the African Union, AFRAA and the African Civil Aviation Commission “to ensure that our citizens are able to move about much more freely and cost effectively.”
The EU is also supporting the continent’s single aviation market ambitions with financial and technical assistance, says Javier Niño Pérez, the ambassador of the European Union to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
“Based on the 30 years of experience we have with the EU single market, we’re fully aware that air connectivity is existential, because it is an engine for trade, it creates jobs, it creates business,” says Pérez.
—CNN
