The East African Community (EAC) is calling for swift action on air transport liberalisation to enhance regional integration and stimulate economic growth. Andrea Aguer Ariik, the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, urged Partner States to expedite the signing of the EAC Air Transport Market Liberalisation Regulations.
The new regulations, developed to foster a more open air transport market, are set to be reviewed by the 19th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication, and Meteorology (SC-TCM). If adopted, these regulations will pave the way for a fully liberalised air transport market within the EAC, allowing Partner States to negotiate Regional Air Transport Bilateral arrangements under the Multilateral Air Services Agreement.
Mr. Ariik emphasized that this liberalisation is expected to lower airfares, stimulate demand for air travel, enhance connectivity, and support economic expansion across the region. “An integrated air transport market is crucial for our region’s development,” said Hon. Ariik. “By removing barriers to air travel, we can improve competitiveness and attract investment.”
The Deputy Secretary General also highlighted the need for harmonising regulatory fees and charges within the EAC, suggesting that such measures could lead to reduced passenger tariffs. He urged the Directors of Civil Aviation Authorities to implement agreed-upon projects and ratify model regulations to promote the growth of the civil aviation sector.
Addressing the issue of high airfares, Hon. Ariik revealed that the EAC Secretariat, in collaboration with Partner States, is developing strategies to reduce costs. He called on Partner States to establish national consultative committees to guide the process and submit their reports to the EAC Secretariat.
As the 19th Meeting of the Heads of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities convenes, it follows up on directives from the 18th Meeting held in January 2023. The meeting aims to review the implementation of civil aviation programs from February 2023 to June 2024, further advancing the EAC’s goal of a liberalised and integrated air transport market.