Disparity SAATM Policy: AFRAA SG outlined recommendations for effective Implementation
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Secretary General of African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Mr Abderahmane Berthe, has outlined necessary recommendations needed to effect the disparity in the implementation of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) policy.
Mr Berthe made these recommendations while speaking on the topic: “Harnessing of SAATM Opportunities for the Industry – Airline Implementation Programme”, at the ongoing 69th Airport Council International (ACI) Africa Conference which ran through February 25 to March 3, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda.
SAATM Policy which was meant to be a crucial stepping-stone to make air travel a reality for African citizens and to grow regional air transport that wil drive economic growth and transform lives in African Regions, has been a lipservice programme that does not favor many African member countries.
In relation to this development, Mr Berthe elaborated the status updates on ongoing actions of the Air Transport Sustainability – SAATM Roadmap, the connectivity drivers as well as industry initiatives by various stakeholders on SAATM.
With regards to status of direct flights and 5th freedom flights in Africa, Mr Berthe noted that 85% of intra-African flights are directs while 15% connecting with one stop or more. Among those direct flights, 5th freedom represent only 21%, while the share of 3rd and 4th freedom flights is 79%.
To him, AFRAA data hub revealed that ASKY airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways were the only African airlines operating the highest number of 5th freedom routes. African airlines operate only 14% of their direct flights on 5th freedom while 86% on 3rd and 4th freedom. Non-African carriers operate a most important share of their direct flights in 5th freedom in Africa.
With regards to granting of 5th freedom traffic rights by African States, AFRAA reporting framework by its member airlines showed that among 8 (eight) reporting airlines, some have mentioned traffic rights denial by 11 African states.
AFRAA Secretary General thus outlined the following recommendations as a mechanism that will enhance effective implementation of SAATM.
• African States to be willing and ready to implement SAATM and to stop denial of 5th freedom traffic rights to African airlines.
• Governments to stop over taxation of aviation.
• Air transport stakeholders to collaborate to implement the roadmap of the air transport sustainability that was developed by the 2022 Laboratory.
• Reduce costs along the air transport value chain.
• Collaboration among airlines to improve connectivity and deliver a better service quality.
• Right size fleet strategy to improve routes profitability and to connect secondary airports.
• States, industry, airports to work together to implement the African Routes Development Strategy forum.
