The launch was announced by the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. Countries involved in the agreement include South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Last time such an agreement was proposed was back in 1999, but it failed to come to fruition. This time, things look far more positive.
Air travel within Africa has been lagging behind the rest of the world. This agreement, that will allow the free movement of air transportation throughout Africa and across borders should help Africa to catch up and move into the future.
What does this mean for travellers?
Ease of travelling throughout Africa will become easier. Up until now, travel within Africa has been fraught with complications due to Government legislation and the red tape that goes with it. Travel should now be simpler, but it should also be much cheaper, which will no doubt be greatly welcomed. Due to the simplification of systems, airlines will be able to run more flights, giving passengers more flexibility on their travel arrangements. No longer will African travel be confined to unsociable hours! The International Air Transport Association predict the number of passengers on African airlines will double within the next twenty years.
What does this mean for Africa?
This will most likely signal some major economic growth for African countries. With ease of travel improved and the costs of travelling lowered, tourism is highly likely to grow rapidly. Additionally, we may well also see an increase in business passengers as travel within Africa becomes less complicated. It also has some great implications for trade across Africa as shipping costs will fall and make airline transportation far more viable. Currently, most of the air travel within Africa is via external airlines, but with this new agreement, things could be looking good for Africa’s largest airline Ethiopian Airlines. Expect to hear more from them in the near future as their business grows. Of course, extra flights and extra passengers frequenting African airports will mean greater levels of employment across Africa too.
The Future is bright
With this news following the recent improvements to visa requirements for African citizens, we’re set to see one of the largest changes in the aviation industry in a long time. This incredibly positive move forward will hopefully see aviation in Africa become more like that within Europe, with freedom of travel and ease of travel bringing many benefits to the people of Africa, and tourists visiting African countries.
Emily is an avid writer with a passion for the travel industry. She also loves learning and writing about nutrition and healthy living. Emily is based in the UK.
