Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, emphasized the need to improve air connectivity and reduce costs across Africa.
He spoke during a panel at the 57th Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Themed “The Single African Air Transport Market, Free Movement of People, and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” it highlighted challenges and opportunities facing African airlines in fostering sustainable growth.
Enhancing Air Connectivity
African airlines have identified several key measures to enhance air connectivity and make air travel more affordable for African citizens.
Facilitating market access through eased traffic rights and improved mobility of people across borders is essential to unlocking the potential of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Strengthening commercial cooperation among African airlines through interline and codeshare agreements, as well as exploring consolidation opportunities, will improve operational efficiency and market reach.
Reducing operational costs, particularly taxes, charges, and fuel expenses—which account for 30-40% of airline costs—is critical to improving profitability and reducing ticket prices.
Enhancing operational efficiency through investments in ground operations, flight efficiency, and maintenance practices is also necessary to boost airline performance.
AFRAA’s Support Initiatives
AFRAA’s Route and Network Coordination Committee fosters interline partnerships through its Route Intelligence Portal.
The AFRAA Fuel Purchase Programme helps reduce fuel expenses, while the Free Route Airspace (FRA) project aims to cut flight times and operational costs.
AFRAA’s Initiatives to Support Airlines
Mr. Berthé highlighted AFRAA’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges. AFRAA’s Route and Network Coordination Committee leverages the Route Intelligence Portal to foster interline and codeshare agreements among member airlines.
Additionally, the AFRAA Fuel Purchase Programme has been instrumental in reducing fuel costs, a significant expense for airlines.
He also noted the Free Route Airspace (FRA) project, aimed at reducing flight times, operational costs, and CO2 emissions.
This initiative, born out of the AFRAA Air Transport Sustainability LAB held in Nairobi in 2022, underscores the association’s commitment to sustainable aviation practices.
Addressing Cargo Sector Challenges
Mr. Berthé highlighted the need for investments in cargo infrastructure, such as cold storage facilities, to support air freight. Standardizing documentation and reducing customs bureaucracy will further boost cargo operations.
Collaborative Action for Growth
The UNECA-led event stressed collaboration among governments, airlines, and stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Improved air connectivity is key to driving Africa’s economic growth.