Aviation experts have long called for a single African air transport market, contending that it would strengthen intra-regional connectivity between the capital cities of African countries.
A single, unified air transport market would be an impetus to the continent’s economic integration and growth agenda.
As part of the process to activate this, representatives from ten countries in eastern and southern Africa and the Indian Ocean met in Kampala for the 2nd Consultative Workshop on the model BASA.
Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala said one of the immediate measures required by Member States is to review their BASAs by removing all restrictions on traffic rights under the 3rd, 4th, and 5th freedoms, frequencies, fares, and capacity.
“BASA is one of the fundamental means of ensuring air transport interconnectivity between states, and the current exercise is geared towards streamlining the instrument to conform with the provisions of the YD,” said the Minister, who was represented by the Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama.
Adopting a model BASA, he said, will hasten the process of reviewing BASAs among Member States of COMESA, the East African Community, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
Team Leader of the Support to Air Transport Sector Development Programme (SATSD), Mr. Adikiny Olwenge, stated that while many air transport markets outside of Africa have been liberalised to a significant extent, most intra-African air transport markets remain largely closed due to restrictive BASA.
“This has affected air connectivity within Africa and has limited the potential for economic growth and development,” he added. “I urge all not to lose sight of the benefits this would bring in terms of tourism, both local and international, in the region if all challenges associated with air transport infrastructure and costs are addressed.”
