AFRAA Position Paper- Liberalisation of the African Skies
Introduction:
The beginning of the liberalization of the African Skies was ushered in by the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988, which established the framework for a new African civil aviation policy adopted on 7 October 1988.
Its primary objective was to create a conducive environment for the development of both intra-African and international air services.
Subsequently, during the meeting of African Ministers in charge of civil aviation held in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, on 13–14 November 1999, the Declaration became the Yamoussoukro Decision.
This Decision reaffirms the importance of harmonizing air transport policies to eliminate non-physical barriers that impede the sustainable growth of air transport services in Africa.
In doing so, it remains aligned with the guiding principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which promote the development of safe, regular, and orderly air transport services based on equality among States.
Such an environment facilitates the free movement of persons, goods, and services across the continent.
In practical terms, the Yamoussoukro Decision aspires to support the progressive establishment of a liberalized intra-African aviation market, addressing key areas including traffic rights, capacity, frequency, and pricing.
It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening cooperation among African airlines to stimulate inter-African air transport growth and enhance the quality of service delivered to consumers.
