Browsing: Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)

The aviation industry in Africa is currently experiencing an upward growth trend and presents a positive financial outlook for African airlines in 2023 compared to 2022. Projections indicate that overall air traffic growth in Africa will exceed the global average of 6.1 per cent, reaching an impressive 7.4 per cent, with flights already surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

These revelations emerged during the recently concluded 7th Aviation African Summit & Exhibition, which took place on September 13th and 14th, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria. This landmark event has been lauded as the most prominent summit, drawing nearly 1,500 delegates from over 75 countries and boasting more than 110 global exhibitors and sponsors.…

• EAC Partner States need to fast-track implementation regulations on the liberalisation of air transport
• An extra 155,000 jobs and US$1.3 billion in annual GDP would be created if 12 countries opened their skies.
• Africa has formed the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to spearhead a single unified air transport market to advance the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa.

In the spirit of creating a single market and increased integration of Africa’s 54 nations, stakeholders want airlines operating within the continent to lower fares.

Recent research by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that ‘if just 12 key Africa countries opened their markets and increased connectivity, an extra 155,000 jobs and US$1.3 billion in annual GDP would be created in those countries.’

These are significant figures by any measure and IATA, the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 260 members, maintains that lowering flight prices in …