Africa’s aviation sector was recovering strongly from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Southern Africa was significantly behind the continent’s other three IATA sub-regions (East Africa, North Africa and West Africa).
This was emphasized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alwadhi, in his speech at the recent Aviation Africa 2022 summit in Kigali, Rwanda. (IATA is the representative body for the global airline industry).
The African airline industry as a whole was “now” operating at 74.6% of its pre-Covid-19 levels, he noted. In July, passenger traffic reached 73.8% compared to what was transported in July 2019 (during the last pre-Covid year). For the summit’s host nation, Rwanda, air passenger traffic in July this year was 106% compared to the level in July 2019.
He urged African governments and industry to work together to advance a harmonized air transport agenda.
Certain African governments have had to stop blocking the repatriation of airline funds (as of the end of June, 12 African countries were blocking a total of $1.3 billion) as this has hurt airlines and put connectivity at risk. airline from these countries. Airlines and tourism should not be treated as easy targets for taxes, fees and taxes without some of the money being spent on modernizing and expanding national aviation infrastructure.
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market were the best means to achieve social and economic sustainability in Africa. And aviation security was paramount; “It’s our top priority,” he said.
“Connectivity is precious,” emphasized Alwadhi. “The crisis has shown that everyone suffers when aviation stops.
Covid-19 has debunked the myth that traveling only benefits the rich. A financially viable air transport sector supports jobs and should be a driving force for Africa’s economic recovery from Covid-19.”
ANGOAVIAÇÃO 