“It always seems impossible until it is done!”
The Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) has been on the African landscape since the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988. Since then, Africa has vigorously debated the feasibility of an air transport market without restrictions or limitations. The real benefit however – a market for the benefit of Africa, its people and its airlines remains on the horizon. The concept of a Single Air Transport market is not a novel one. In other markets, it is now so entrenched that it is no longer a cause for comment. Europe and other major aviation markets have also had to evolve from protected, fragmented and State regulated aviation markets in order to reap the immense benefits they are enjoying today.
These same benefits are also waiting for Africa to enjoy. The power of a fully integrated, competitive and efficiently regulated single air transport market on the African continent is beyond doubt. The IATA/AFCAC/AFRAA economic study conducted by InterVISTAS titled “Transforming IntraAfrican Air Connectivity” provides independent and objective analysis on the economic benefits of implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision amongst 12 States only. African governments would enjoy $1.3 billion incremental GDP on the continent and at least 155,000 new jobs. Passengers would enjoy 75% increase in direct services, Fare savings of 25-35% and air transport would be available to at least 5 million additional people.
There have been several schools of thought on how the global African aviation landscape moves from what is essentially an administered air transport market to a market based one. For some Stakeholders, the idea of removing all commercial restrictions for African airlines operating within Africa is still and so radical that it must only be done under certain conditions. However, under the strong leadership of the African Union and the African Civil Aviation Commission as well as with the commitment of strong associations like the African Civil Aviation Commission, African Airlines Association, etc we are convinced that Africa’s time has come and should be seized without any further delay.
We are therefore pleased to support this summary of the Single Africa Air Transport Market in collaboration with the African Union, African Civil Aviation Commission and the African Airlines Association. We hope you will find it useful as a reference guide and we look forward to working together to make the SAATM fully operational. Please note that the wider industry is also working on a more extensive reference document which will have a lot more information.
Thank you.
Muhammad Ali Albakri
IATA – Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East
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