Strong collaborations between African airlines are needed to ensure the success of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to Micheline Yahot, the country manager of Air Cote D'Ivoire in Ghana (AfCFTA).
The aviation industry on the continent will benefit greatly from it as well.
In order to contribute to the success of African countries, she claimed that collaborations between African airlines may increase connectivity, encourage investment, boost commerce, and generate economic progress.
"I am pleading with our African leaders, and in particular with our regional governments, to think Pan-Africanism, integration, and protection of intra-African commerce by utilizing the emergence of AfCFTA.
Carriers that serve the continent should be given incentives and preference. Without a thriving aviation sector, the African Continental Free Trade region cannot function well. Let's all act as one and begin with Africa," she remarked.
Ms. Yahot, who made the announcement at the airline's new office opening and 10th anniversary celebration in Ghana, in Accra, said it was crucial for Africans to develop self-trust rather of relying on others.
"We have nothing against collaboration. The company Air Côte d'Ivoire values collaboration. Because of the 15 agreements we've formed with airlines like Air France and Ethiopian Airlines, we now fly to more than 300 destinations, and we welcome partnerships with Ghanaians, she continued.
She said it shouldn't be an insurmountable obstacle for sub-regional carriers to unjustly compete on the pricing basis to welcome additional aircraft.
She insisted that fair competition must be regulated in the subregion.
"We must put the needs of the continent first in order for it to grow and prosper. Contrarily, a lack of strict controls causes rain to fall on grass instead of the ground, where we need water to irrigate our African soil, according to the country manager.
Alhassan Tampuli, a deputy minister of transport, asserted that given how secure and practical aircraft was, its significance could not be overstated.
According to him, Ghana's role as the AfCFTA's headquarters gave a fantastic chance for the nation to fully use the population in West Africa.
"We are akin to the United States in terms of population since the 350 million people in West Africa practically equal the entire US population," he said, praising Air Cote D'Ivoire for its contributions to the sector over the years.
As a result, there are far fewer airlines and aircraft in the system than what is required to adequately serve the population. As a result, we are hoping that players in the industry will be able to bring in more aircraft.
According to the deputy minister, after COVID, the aviation sector began to grow steadily to the point where the numbers for 2019 were almost completely surpassed.
Yet, he claimed that more work had to be done to expand the industry and give passengers a first-rate experience.
"I believe that there is still a lot more for the sector to benefit from because as we fly more, passenger expectations rise. Hence, we must provide them with better services and a better traveling experience. The government is prepared to assist you in any manner, Mr. Tampuli stated.
-By Monalisa Amartey|Mydailyreports24|Ghana
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