15 countries to pilot air transport treaty

The African Civil Aviation Commission has announced the pilot implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, with 15 of the 35 signatory states aiming to pilot the scheme. Adefunke Adeyemi, the Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, shared insights on this groundbreaking initiative in an interview with CNBC Africa's Julius Bizimungu. The launch of this initiative marks a significant step towards accelerating market liberalization in Africa. This pilot project, initiated by 14 African ministers on November 14th, offers an opportunity for 18 states to open their markets to each other. By granting market access to airlines from these states, the program operates on the basis of freedoms of the air, particularly focusing on the third, fourth, and fifth freedoms. The fifth freedom, in particular, allows carriers to pick up and drop off passengers and cargo in different countries, connecting regions and continents seamlessly. Adeyemi emphasized the importance of affordability in air transport, highlighting that the cost of tickets in Africa is significantly higher compared to other parts of the world. To address this issue, the participating airlines have signed a strategic framework aimed at reducing costs and increasing flight frequency. By harmonizing taxes and charges and engaging with airlines to lower prices, the initiative aims to make air travel more accessible to the 1.3 billion Africans in the region. The framework agreement has already been signed by 45 African countries, demonstrating a strong commitment to the initiative. The pilot project will run for an initial period of three years, focusing on deepening market access and political engagement at various levels, from strategic to operational. Adeyemi highlighted the need for African countries to recognize aviation as a strategic economic enabler and a pillar of development, emphasizing the sector's potential to contribute significantly to GDP and job creation. The Secretary-General also addressed the fear of a more open and liberalized market, noting that while some protection is necessary, fostering healthy competition and giving customers choice and convenience are crucial. Affordability remains a key challenge that must be addressed to ensure widespread access to air transportation. As the pilot project unfolds over the next three years, stakeholders are hopeful that it will pave the way for a more interconnected and accessible aviation network in Africa. By working collaboratively and addressing critical factors that hinder market liberalization, the Single African Air Transport Market could herald a new era for aviation on the continent.