Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Government has hailed the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) delegation for its efforts to accelerate the liberalisation of air transport on the continent.
The delegation is in the country for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Pilot Implementation Project (PIP) Airshow, being hosted in Harare.
SAATM is a flagship African union project that aims to liberalise intra-African skies by lifting market access restrictions and permitting the free exercise of fifth-freedom traffic rights.
The meeting is being held under the theme “Acceleration of air transport liberalisation in Africa to improve continental connectivity and integration”.
In his address, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said: “I am grateful to the Honourable ministers, heads of delegation and distinguished delegates who have travelled from across our continent to participate in this important gathering, dedicated to advancing the liberalisation of Africa’s aviation sector and strengthening continental integration.
“The theme of this event is befitting: “Acceleration of Air Transport Liberalisation in Africa to Improve Continental Connectivity and Integration.”
“Indeed, this timely initiative, spearheaded by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and its partners, demonstrates our collective commitment to promoting greater connectivity, economic growth, and regional integration across Africa.”
He said gatherings of this nature provide them with appropriate platforms for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas and strengthening cooperation among African nations towards the implementation of the SAATM.
“We also get an opportunity to reaffirm our collective resolve and aspiration to eliminate policy, structural and regulatory barriers, which continue to hinder the growth and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation market,” he said.
“I have no doubt that this pilot project will enrich our collective aspirations and strengthen our determination to build an interconnected Africa as one of the critical enablers of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The SAATM facilitates the seamless movement of people, goods, services and investment across the African continent, as we move towards the Africa we want by the year 2063. There is indeed a lot of work to do and impediments to deal with along the journey.”
He said they must continue working towards the removal of barriers to connectivity, including visa and tax restrictions, to enable the free movement of people and unlock the full benefits of continental integration.
“The full implementation of SAATM remains of strategic importance to Africa’s socio-economic transformation through the adoption of compliant Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs),” he said.
“Member States can now eliminate unnecessary air transport restrictions and create an environment that enables African airlines to establish new direct routes,” he said.
This, he said, will significantly reduce travel times, improve connectivity, and facilitate trade and tourism.
“Moreover, the BASAs which comply with SAATM have been shown to promote healthy competition among airlines, which has led to higher flight frequencies, enhanced service quality, and more cost-effective air travel for African citizens travelling within the continent. The net effect has been the improvement in terms of connectivity on the continent,” he said.
