The East African Community (EAC) has urged its partner states to fast track regulations to liberalise the air transport market to boost regional integration and economic growth.
“An integrated air transport market is essential for the development of our region. By removing barriers to air travel, we can enhance competitiveness and attract investment in the region,” The East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik, said during the 19th Meeting of Director Generals of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities.
The liberalisation of the market in the region, which has been in the plans since 2006, is expected to lower the cost of air fares, stimulate demand for air traffic, connectivity, increase operation efficiency, reduce the flying time and support the expansion of air transport capacities and the regional economy.
Among other things, the EAC is urging partner states to consider harmonising regulatory fee and charges, and to designate the regional air transport market as domestic for registered air operators in the region.
Only Rwanda and Burundi have submitted their reports on the draft EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations. The regulations are expected to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (SC-TCM) for adoption.
Once adopted, and then ratified by Partner States, the air transport market will be liberalised. States will then negotiate bilateral and multilateral arrangements.
