AU outlines outcomes of ministerial working group meeting on single African air transport market

29 May, 2018

African Union (AU) announced (28-May-2018) the following main outcome targets of the fourth ministerial working group meeting on the single African air transport market (SAATM), held on 28-May-2018:

  • Review existing bilateral air service agreements (BASA) among SAATM member states to remove any restrictions to ensure conformity with the Yamoussoukro Decision;
  • Conclude new BASAs that are compliant with the Yamoussoukro Decision;
  • Sign a memorandum of implementation on the harmonisation of BASAs and operationalisation of SAATM;
  • Appoint a new bureau of the ministerial working group.

The meeting will assess the implementation status of SAATM and explore ways to accelerate the harmonisation of air service agreements between SAATM member states. The meeting will also provide a platform for member states to conclude Yamoussoukro Decision compliant BASAs. AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged the ministerial working group to encourage member states to join the single market and abide by the provisions of the Yamoussoukro Decision. Mr Faki called on the African Development Bank and other funding partners to expedite resource mobilisation towards full operationalisation of the SAATM. [more - original PR]