Africa's incredible air travel plan boosting 39 countries and 1billion people

The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is an initiative that aims to create a unified air transportation market across Africa.

The SAATM is more commonly referred to as the Open Skies Treaty In Africa. It was started in January 2018 by The African Union (AU).

The project looks to liberalise the aviation industry in Africa and is a key part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The SAATM has recently gained momentum, with 39 nations joining the initiative.

A number of goals will be achieved in this African aviation project, including lifting market access restrictions for airlines.

Other aims include granting each nation extended air traffic rights, removing restrictions on ownership and liberalising capacity limits and flight frequency.

Speaking at a press conference at the AU Summit, Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission, spoke of SAATM’s progress.

She said: “I am happy to say that we have 39 nations that have joined a single African air transport market, representing about one billion Africans.

“The market aims to reduce the cost and waiting of travellers by almost 20%.”

Abou-Zeid further added how the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will use renewable sources.

SAF is expected to reduce gas emissions by between 60 and 100% compared to normal jet fuels.

“To position Africa as a leader in the emerging green hydrogen market, the AU has developed a Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan, outlining policy and technical priorities for establishing a competitive green hydrogen sector,” she added.

According to the African Development Bank, and other analysts, the SAATM will help to revolutionise the aviation industry by making flights cheaper, increasing economic benefits and having greater passenger volumes.

Despite the expected success of this initiative, some African governments have criticized SAATM.

The Ugandan government believes SAATM could lead to a few major airlines dominating the market and, therefore, stifling competition.