Inadequate cooperation by regulatory authorities is slowing the growth of the aviation industry on the continent, a top aviation player has said.
South African Airways Aaron Munetsi (centre) and the airlines Uganda country manager Yogi Birigwa (left) chatting with Declan Peppard the Simba TravelCare MD
Aaron Munetsi, South African airways’ regional manager for Africa and the Middle East argues that African airlines could perform better with a friendlier regulatory environment.
“In 1998, 52 African countries signed the Yamoussoukro declaration in Ivory Coast. Only 21 of those countries have ratified that declaration to date. This means African airlines cannot freely do business with each other on the continent,” he said.
Munetsi added: “The challenge is that the same countries that restrict each other from doing business, open up to airlines that are from outside the continent.”
“Fifty years ago, when Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selassie and their colleagues formed the OAU (now the African Union), one of the things they spoke about was a Pan African aviation sector. Don’t you think we are letting them down today?”
“While the Middle East carriers are flying to 26-30 destinations, other airlines in Europe are also flying to these destinations on the continent, African airlines are not allowed to fly to as many destinations as they would want to.”
However, Munetsi sees a bright future for aviation in Africa, arguing that a rising middle class on the continent is good news for the industry.
“Six of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa. What this means is that where there is economic growth, there are attendant activities that come along, like the rise of tourism, travel and aviation.”
Yogi Birigwa, South African airways country manager for Uganda and Rwanda urged the Government to allocate more resources to the tourism industry to further its growth. “When the budget is read, how much is allocated to tourism? We need to promote our tourism better.” she said.
James Tumusiime, the board chairman of Uganda Tourism Board said Uganda would attract more tourists with easier connectivity around the country. “We do not have enough domestic carriers that are affordable. We need more airports in the country with good connectivity,” he said.
The trio was speaking after South African airways awarded their most outstanding travel agents in Uganda at the Kampala Serena hotel last week.
By Billy Rwothungeyo, The New Vision
