Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 14, 2024 Highlights.

Exciting developments emerged in week 14, with projections indicating that passenger traffic by African carriers is set to soar to 98 million for the year 2024. Additionally, South Sudan is poised to achieve a significant milestone as it prepares to assume complete control of its airspace from Khartoum, Sudan. However, amidst these positive strides, the Kenyan government’s firm decision against airspace liberalization dealt a substantial blow to the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. Amidst these headlines, an airline marked a decade of exemplary service, adding to the vibrant tapestry of news shaping the aviation landscape. Delve deeper into these compelling narratives and more as we explore the latest happenings in the aviation sector.

Introduction.

In a recent turn of events, the Kenyan government has made a decisive move regarding the liberalization of its airspace, signaling a staunch stance against pressure to open up Kenyan skies to foreign carriers dealing a big blow to SAATM. Despite mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, for Kenya to grant access to various airports within the country, particularly in Mombasa, to bolster tourism and enhance connectivity, the Cabinet Secretary of Transport has affirmed Kenya’s commitment to protecting its local industry. Furthermore, considerations such as the lack of reciprocity by other countries for national carrier Kenya Airways to operate on some of their domestic routes have also factored into this decision. This move comes as a setback for continental initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aim to promote liberalization across the African continent.

Meanwhile, in an unfolding narrative, the Juba Flight Information Region (FIR) is on the brink of being inaugurated as South Sudan edges closer to assuming control of its airspace from Khartoum. The issuance of South Sudan’s inaugural Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) manual on 17 June 2021 marks a significant step towards reclaiming management of its airspace from neighboring Sudan. With the completion of its air traffic management system (ATMS), supported by China, Juba is now in the final stages of formalizing procedures to assert full sovereignty over its skies. This development underscores South Sudan’s determination to assert its independence and optimize the management of its airspace for the benefit of its citizens and aviation stakeholders alike.

African Aviation: Projections And Statistics.