Aviation professionals in West Africa have jointly called for political will by governments in the region to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), saying that its operation would lead to the development of the sector.
The professionals spoke at the virtual meeting on High Level Ministerial Meeting on Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa, organised by Federal Ministry of Aviation in conjunction with International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (iPADIS).
Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu, former President, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), said that governments and industry leaders in the region needed to turn the crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, into an opportunity for development of the sector.
Aliu, who is also the founder of iPADIS said that the region has the potential for growth, but it required political will to do so.
He regretted that COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted activities in the sector, stressing that for the region to ease out of the crisis, it needed to collaborate with one and others.
He said: “COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge to have happened to air transportation, coupled with pre-Covid-19 challenges, the pandemic further exacerbated the challenges in Africa. But, African governments should collaborate to address the challenges of the sector and those posed by COVID-19, and vigorously chart a path of recovery. African aviation should not plan to return to pre-COVID-19, but plan for profitability.
“We consider air transport in the West African region need urgent attention and support than in any other region. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has the potential to turn the condition into a profitable opportunity in the region. We need the political will and determination to turn these crises into opportunity for development. Governments and industry leaders can revitalise the sector.”
Besides, Dr. Harold Demuren, the former Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in his comment said to solve a major part of air transportation problems in West Africa, there is need to have a single West Africa hub.
Demuren further opined that African Governments needed to open their skies more, noting that it was necessary to dismantle the present obstacles.
He, however, emphasised that players in the sector needed the political support of their ministers, adding that once this happens, the issue of connectivity would be addressed.
Demuren also stressed that West African governments should assist organisations in the sector to source foreign exchange, single-digit interest rate for operators as well as airlines embracing technology.
Besides, Simon Allotey, former Director-General, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, said that the challenges facing the sector in the region required political commitment to resolve, noting that some of the issues are beyond what aviation stakeholders could discuss.
“The will power, collaborations at state levels are needed, we should be able to convince the ministers to own the solutions,” he added.
Abderahmane Berth; Secretary General, African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Capt. Edward Boyo, Chief Executive Officer, Overland Airways and Abdoulie Ebrima, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Gambia, all called for government subsidies, elimination of protectionism within the region , abolition of high taxes and creation of enabling environment and good infrastructure by governments.
