The African Union Commission is set to launch the first AU Agenda 2063 Flagship project, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 28.
The historic event at the African Union Summit will take place nearly two decades after the adoption of the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision.
“With preparations continuing on schedule, the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market will spur more opportunities to promote trade, cross-border investments in the production and service industries, including tourism, resulting in the creation of an additional 300 000 direct and two million indirect jobs contributing immensely to the integration and socio-economic growth of the continent,” says Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission.
Linden Birns, MD of Plane Talking, says while the event is just part of the build-up for what is to come, generally speaking, the industry and government have a positive outlook on the introduction of African Single Sky. He points out that when it becomes a reality, if it is implemented properly, it will bring air fares down, promote trade and economic activity between countries and boost overall prosperity for people living in Africa.
Thus far, 23 out of 55 African countries have subscribed to the Single African Air Transport Market, whereas 44 have signed the Yamoussoukro Decision. “The African Union Commission, under the leadership and personal commitment of HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, has been playing a key coordinating role in the establishment of the SAATM and advocacy to AU Member States, who have not yet committed to the solemn commitment, to do so,” explains Dr Abou-Zeid.
