AS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TRAVEL bounces back more strongly than expected from Covid, Africa has once again been left behind.
The African aviation industry has struggled to compete on the world stage with its share of airline traffic having fallen from around 2% to currently 1.8% – despite having 20% of the world’s population. This is despite ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” policy.
In an interview carried in this edition with the SACAA Director Ms Poppy Khoza, she explains what the No Country left Behind (NCLB) policy does. Ms Khoza says, “The concept is based on the principle that those countries that have consistently maintained critical safety or security elements ratings of above 80% must assist those who are struggling to be compliant within their respective regions or on the continent.”
Khoza points out that, “South Africa plays an integral role in assisting our neighbouring States. Some years ago, SACAA developed a Regional Cooperation Strategy, according to which technical assistance was offered to many countries in the SADC region. We are collaborating successfully with countries whose level of effective implementation is below the global average, and this collaboration is greatly recognised by these Member States and ICAO.
‘there is still a huge gap to be filled’
“There are many African countries who are performing very well, and, in this regard, I would also like to recognise the election of Nigeria and Egypt in Part II of the Governing Council, because of their contributions to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation,” she says, “Far more significant is that Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe were elected to Part III of the ICAO Council, as States ensuring geographic representation. These were significant achievements for the countries, their respective regions, and the continent, as we all look at improving air connectivity, enhancing aviation safety and security, and also at contributing significantly to the socio-economic benefits for the Continent.”
Reacting to a question as to whether her appointment as President of the ICAO General Assembly was not in response to the NCLB policy, Ms Khoza pointed out that “Leadership and competence constitute the first priority in terms of determining who will be elected to Chair such strategic and important conferences and meetings. The complexity of issues requires more than the notion of the “no country left behind” as a measure to determine who will be elected.”
It is thus reassuring to note that many African countries and aviation leaders are rising to meet the challenge of the highest aviation standards. But there is still a huge gap to be bridged if Africa is to grow its miserable 1.8% share of the international airline market. Airlines must be set free from government control and allowed to compete in a liberalised Open Skies environment.
May I take this opportunity to wish all our readers and online followers a very happy and restive festive season and all the best for 2023.
