Raising the Bar for African Air Connectivity: SAATM-PIP Coalition Airshow in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone is set to witness a significant boost in its aviation and tourism sectors as it hosts the prestigious Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) conference from July 29th to 30th, 2024. This event, marking a monumental achievement, is largely credited to the tireless efforts and exceptional expertise of Madam Musayeroh Barrie, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).

Madam Barrie, renowned for her extensive knowledge of Sierra Leone’s aviation environment, has been a key figure in the industry for over a decade. As the Country Director for Westminster Aviation Security Services (WASS), she played a pivotal role in ensuring the security and efficiency of operations at Freetown International Airport. Her close collaboration with state authorities during the 2019 ICAO Security Audit resulted in Sierra Leone achieving an impressive pass mark of 71%.

Sierra Leone’s selection as the host for the SAATM conference is a testament to Madam Barrie’s tenacity, diplomacy, and profound understanding of international aviation. Her contributions have not only elevated the country’s aviation standards but also positioned Sierra Leone as a vital player on the global aviation stage.

To enhance air connectivity and foster economic growth across the African continent, the Single African Air Transport Market Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM-PIP) Coalition Airshow will be hosted in Freetown. The event, set to take place at the scenic Mamba Point Lagoonda, promises to be a landmark occasion for Africa’s aviation sector.

This year’s SAATM-PIP Coalition Airshow aims to accelerate the liberalization of air transport in Africa, a mission crucial for improving continental connectivity and integration. The implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and SAATM are pivotal to achieving this goal. These initiatives are designed to foster a sustainable and robust aviation sector, which is a cornerstone for Africa’s recovery strategy post-COVID-19.

A recent study highlights the immense potential of SAATM, projecting a 51% increase in intra-Africa traffic volume within 2-3 years of full implementation. This increase is expected to be accompanied by a 26% reduction in average fare levels, resulting in annual fare savings of USD 1.46 billion. The study also anticipates improved connectivity, with an additional 145 country-pairs receiving direct service and a 27% increase in flight frequencies on existing routes.

The benefits of enhanced air connectivity are far-reaching. Improved air transport is projected to contribute up to USD 4.6 billion in economic growth, create nearly 60,000 additional jobs, and spur investment and innovation. This will lead to significant socio-economic development across the continent, promoting better jobs, well-being, environmental support, and gender inclusion.

However, challenges remain. Currently, only 14.5% of African flights utilize 5th Freedom Traffic rights, missing out on 15.9 million passenger trips due to high costs, limited availability, or inconvenient services. The SAATM-PIP aims to address these issues, making the call for rapid and complete liberalization of African air markets clear and urgent.

The airshow will showcase the efforts of the 20 SAATM-PIP States—Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Gabon, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia. These states, chosen for their favorable environments and readiness for full SAATM implementation, are leading the way towards increasing 5th Freedom Traffic Operations from 14.5% to 30% by 2025.

Sierra Leone, as a signatory to the Solemn Commitment to implement SAATM, has recently shown its readiness to join the SAATM-PIP States. As an active member of the Banjul Accord Group of States (BAG), Sierra Leone’s participation is crucial for advancing the full implementation of the YD/SAATM among BAG member states, aiming to create a single air transport market within this group. This progress has been significantly driven by the exceptional leadership of Madam Musayeroh Barrie. Her dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in positioning Sierra Leone as a key player in the SAATM initiative, ensuring the country is at the forefront of this transformative journey.

The airshow will focus on aligning Air Service Agreements (ASAs) with the AFCAC YD-Compliant ASA template to promote new 5th Freedom Traffic penetration and remove barriers to SAATM’s full implementation. It will also promote the application and harmonization of YD/SAATM Regulatory Texts, the revised African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP), and guidelines on ASAs with non-African partners. High-level stakeholders, including Ministers of Transport/Aviation, Trade, Finance, Interior, Tourism, Information, NICs, and SAATM Focal Points, will engage in discussions to promote the use of Key Performance Indicator Tools to monitor and evaluate YD/SAATM implementation. Additionally, the event will address operational and technical assistance needs to improve safety, security, environmental protection, air transport, and other civil aviation areas.

To support these efforts, promotional videos on SAATM Benefits, Country Fact Sheets, and a dedicated SAATM website (https://au.int/en/saatm) have been developed. These resources, coupled with a High-Level Communication Plan (HLCP), will provide a robust foundation for advocacy and engagement.

The SAATM-PIP Coalition Airshow in Freetown is more than just an aviation event; it is a significant step towards unity, economic growth, and social empowerment for Africa. For Sierra Leone, this initiative promises better connectivity, economic opportunities, and improved quality of life for its citizens. As Africa embarks on this journey, the commitment to collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to realizing the full potential of a Single African Air Transport Market is crucial.

Join the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) in Freetown to witness the dawn of a new era in African aviation, where the skies are not just a limit but a bridge to a brighter, more connected future.