By; MOHAMMED ABDULLAHI, Kampala
More than 590 delegates from 49 countries converged on the sprawling Speke Commonwealth Resort in Kampala, Uganda from November
19 to 21 this year, to chart a positive way forward for African travel industry during the 55th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
The assembly was declared opened by Her Excellency, Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. In her remarks, the Vice President implored African airlines to plan and forge strategic mutual alliances in order to ease the complex travel challenges experienced by Africans in exploring the continent.
“I have had many opportunities to represent the President of Uganda in other African countries and it baffles me that for example while travelling to Tanzania, I have to fly from Entebbe Airport in Kampala to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and then fly back through Kampala skyline to get to Tanzania. This and many more challenges that still makes air travel hectic across Africa must be addressed and we will appreciate concrete results during the next AFRAA meeting,” Alupo explained.
She stated that Ugandan Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier was revived to improve air transport connectivity to and from Uganda, champion intra Africa travel and connectivity as well as strengthen the country’s competitiveness not only in East Africa, but globally.
On his part, Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General of AFRAA emphasized that the association is committed to its mission of promoting and servicing African airlines while continuously putting issues of the aviation industry in Africa on the front burner. “The aviation industry plays a crucial role in the economic development of Africa and the vigorous pursuit of better skies for Africa remains our top priority at AFRAA,” Berthe stated.
Chief host of the AFRAA 55th Assembly, Jennifer Bamuturaki, Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer and AFRAA President advocated for a more open market to enhance travel in Africa in order to increase the continent’s meagre share of global travels.
According to Bamuturaki, “We need to address the stagnant share of Africa in the global passenger market which stands at about 2.1 percent. Although this number is as a result of the status of African economy, visa restrictions and close market operations, the fastest way to have a positive turnaround is to speed up market liberalization and drive policies that will increase intra Africa travel.”
While it is generally believed that Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a project of the African Union to create freedom of air transport and open skies is the way forward for the continent which is already signed by 37 of the 54 African countries including Nigeria, other challenges as highlighted by participants at AFRAA hinders the implementation of SAATM.
Specifically, Kamil Al-Awadhi, Vice President, Africa and Middle East, International Air transport Association (IATA) faulted Nigeria’s continuous hold on airlines blocked funds to the of USD850 million in the past two years coupled with the Lagos and Abuja airports as the most expensive in the world, affects aviation negatively not only in Nigeria but the continent as a whole.
“How do you acquire investors trust and confidence necessary for foreign direct investments when such humongous amount of money is stuck? Besides, it is so expensive for carriers and passengers flying into and out of Nigeria as both the Airports in Lagos and Abuja have been adjudged the most expensive in the world. Why can’t the government prioritise aviation as a critical sector in order to restore confidence by carriers and investors in the sector?” Al-Awadhi queried.
Earlier on the first day, delegates were hosted at the Ugandan Wildlife Conservation and Education Centre where numerous plants and animal species available in more than 10 Uganda national parks were on display.
Also, global aircrafts manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus hosted the welcome cocktail and gala dinner respectively showcasing Africa’s glamourous culture and more.
At the end of AFRAA 55th General Assembly, Nigeria’s Ibom Air was named a full member of the association and the 56th Assembly announced to be hosted by Egypt Air in late 2024.
