Cautious Optimism as 23 Countries Embrace AU Open Sky Agreement

the African Union launched the liberalisation of the continent’s airspace for airlines registered in Africa. Chinedu Eze examines the gains and pitfalls of the policy for Nigerian airlines

Last Sunday in Addis Ababa, during the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, member-nations inaugurated the Single African Air Transport Market. SAATM is meant to relax aviation rules and regulations to create a free market environment for airlines registered in the continent. It is also known as the liberalisation of Africa’s airspace or open sky for Africa.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who is the current chair of the 55-member AU, and Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Mahamat, unveiled the plaque at the commission’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, marking the inauguration of the SAATM.