African air traffic liberalisation inevitable, says continental airlines association head

12th October 2016

By: Keith Campbell

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

  

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The liberalisation of the African air transport market seems certain to happen, and will benefit those of the continent’s airlines able to take advantage of it. Thus affirmed African Airlines Association (AFRAA) CEO and secretary-general Dr Elijah Chingoso on Tuesday at the Aviation Industry Growth Conference, organised by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. “The single African aviation market is certainly achievable, perhaps not exactly as scheduled for January 2017, but the momentum is unstoppable.

“There is a growing momentum for the full liberalisation of African skies,” he affirmed. “This is enhancing the connectivity within the continent, which is facilitating trade, tourism, travel and thus the economic and social development of the continent.”

He highlighted that South Africa was taking a leading role in this process. “South Africa, being the largest aviation market on the continent, is rightfully taking the leadership role in spearheading the full liberalisation of African skies.”

Liberalising the continent’s air traffic markets will bring great benefits to Africa, he said, citing a study by InterVISTAS on behalf of the International Air Transport Association. This found that the current lack of liberalisation meant that as many as five-million Africans were denied the chance of flying within the continent.

The liberalisation of air transport between just 12 African countries would cause air fares between them to fall by between 25% and 37%. Furthermore, within two to three years, the air traffic between these countries would increase by 81%.

“A single aviation market can only be a reality if safety standards are up to global standards,” he cautioned. Fortunately, African aviation safety standards were improving and the aviation accident rate in Africa last year was the lowest it had been in a long time.

Nevertheless, leading African airlines are registering significant successes. They are increasing their market share. For example, from August 2015 to August this year, the market share of African airlines on the Africa/Middle East routes rose from 37.12% to 47.25%.

“We are witnessing the rapid growth and development of some competitive airlines in Africa.” He cited, as examples, Ethiopian Airlines, Togo-based ASKY Airlines, RwandAir and Central Africa-based ECAir. “This is what is happening in a liberalising environment,” asserted Chingoso. “Those who are good, are rising.”

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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