MONTROVIA – Liberian Minister of Transport Sarri Flarf Tyler has reaffirmed the country's full support for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a transformational initiative aimed at liberalizing airspace across the continent.
By Willie N. Toppa (Email protection)
Speaking to Frontpay Gae Frika from Abuja on Thursday, Minister Tyler described the launch of SAATM as a “bold new era” for African Airlines, highlighting Liberia's commitment to advance regional integration through comprehensive air transport reforms.
“We want tame aviation services across Africa,” Minister Tyler said. “Our goal is to localize flights and make air travel more accessible and affordable. By increasing the number of flights, we can reduce airfares.
Tyler referenced the Banjul Accord Group (bag), a coalition of West African countries that cooperate in harmonizing air transport policies. “Bag State is promoting domestication of aviation services, making local flights more affordable and more frequent. Reducing airfares will cause more people to fly, expand tourism, hotels thrive and economic growth. It's a victory for everyone,” he added.
He also disclosed the continued plans of Bag Member States to establish a unified regional airline, “One West African Airline.” The initiative will increase connectivity, streamline airline operations, and significantly reduce costs for both passengers and carriers.
Liberia, along with Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conacree, Cape Verde and Gambia, are at the forefront of efforts to implement SAATM. The African Union-backed initiative seeks to eliminate barriers to air travel in Africa, promote competition and support the sustainable growth of the aviation sector.
“SAATM is not just a vision, it's a necessity,” Minister Tyler said. “It reduces travel time, improves passenger experience and unlocks economic opportunities across Africa.”
The 18th entire session of Banjuru Accord Group in Abuja is an important milestone for regional aviation. The meeting focused on the emergency implementation of the SAATM and brought together key aviation stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Authority (DGCAS) from Member States.
The whole ne reaffirmed the Bag Member's commitment to the declaration and decision of Yamoussoukro, namely Cornon's commitment to liberalising of air transport in Africa. A discussion focused on coordinating national aviation policies with revised SAATM principles to ensure effective integration into domestic regulatory frameworks.
Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aviation Development Festus Keamo officially launched the rally, highlighting the role of SAATM in improving connectivity, reducing travel times and reducing travel costs. He noted that the initiative is consistent with the broader objectives of economic integration under the African Union Agenda 2063.
Adefunke Adeemi, executive director of the African Civil Aviation Council (AFCAC), reflected these sentiments and urged the Bag State to urgently incorporate SAATM into national law. She highlighted the need for augmented regulatory bodies to implement aviation reforms and support the continent's growing air travel market.
Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai, chair of Nigeria's Aviation Senate Committee, as expressed by Sen. Augustine Akobundu, has pledged the legislative reforms necessary to strengthen support for the Nigerian Parliament's bag objectives and ensure the successful implementation of the SAATM.
Africa's aviation industry continues to face years of challenges, including high airfares, limited connectivity and regulatory fragmentation. SAATM was considered to address these issues by encouraging the free movement of aviation services across the continent.
As part of the African Union Agenda 2063, the SAATM represents an important step towards a more economically integrated Africa. Research shows that improving air connections can significantly enhance two key pillars of the AU's development strategy: trade and tourism.
Minister Tyler's message is clear as Liberia joins West African neighbours to renew its commitment to SAATM. “Africa is ready to own the sky, and Liberia is proud to be part of that transformation.”
With SAATM gaining unstoppable momentum, there is a new era of affordable, accessible and connected African aviation on the horizon, helping Liberia lead the fare.
