The liberalization of aviation policy, including outdated ownership and the easing of capitalization regulations, will promote Africa's growth.
Recent concerns about media are threats to local airlines due to functional failure, such as suspensions related to ownership and capital, suspensions based on air traffic navigation services, lack of infrastructure, and lack of fuel. It highlights serious problems.
An imminent problem is raised to ignore important areas in this field and to highlight the government's important roles in the development of healthy domestic aviation industries. The prosperity of the aviation sector promotes economic development, strengthens connectionability, supports related industries, and creates employment.
From a policy perspective, there is both complex issues and major opportunities for aviation. In this field, where multiple government agencies are involved, a adjusted strategy is required to deal with problems and bring out the possibility of moving forward to national development goals.
As urban and metropolitan areas are increasingly as economic bases, aviation connects people, promotes commercial, and promotes global products in the logistics model of “Just in Time”. It will play an important role. Smart Airport City, or Aerotropolis, will be adapted to the rapidly evolving digital world demand and will be a central propulsion for local and regional economy. These hubs not only connect the city center, but also function as a catalyst for economic growth in an era where speed and interconnection are required.
Not only in South Africa but also on African continents, especially in the African African Union's epoch -making, a new focus on aviation is essential. Africa is ready to become a new growth frontier in the 21st century, and if aviation is effectively used, it may change the economic situation on the African continent.
By promoting the unified market for products and services, the African Continent Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) can significantly enhance trade in Africa and attract large amounts of overseas direct investment. To realize these opportunities, it is necessary to focus on the following important pillars and the strategic field of involvement and promotion.
Improvement of regional connectionability and market integration
Airlines plays an important role in connecting remote areas and untouched areas to the central central city, and in integrating alienated areas into the national economy. In addition, it will be easier to transport products, especially those that support important industries such as agriculture, e -commerce, and manufacturing.
The growing demand of transporting agricultural products not only in city market but also in air cargo and refrigerated transportation to international or regional destinations is highlighted the importance of maintaining freshness and quality. Local airlines, especially small -scale or less connected countries, can benefit by expanding the network and accessing a higher -profit line.
This growth not only enhances financial stability, but also attracts more investments in the development of African airlines and fostering more powerful and interconnected aircraft throughout the continent.
Ability development and employment creation
One of the most promising opportunities is the development of aviation, the support of domestic airlines, the expansion of international routes, airports, and related services. These include ground handling, cargo, catering, airport retail, passenger comfortable facilities, accommodation facilities, maintenance, etc., all of which can create substantial direct employment.
Aviation supply chains, including industries such as aircraft manufacturing, fuel supply, infrastructure development and construction, are expected to grow significantly. Discussions on the capitalization of airlines and the opening of foreign investments in ownership proceeds, giving priority to creating employment in line with local employment policies, ensuring a wide range of economic interests for the community. 。
The African Aerotropolis Institute (AIA) is currently taking the lead in building abilities in cooperation with skill evaluation to start programs and graduate school research. The new program, the Master's degree of air urban management, will provide advanced education and training to learners in the continent of Africa, and will begin in 2026.
Tourism and economic growth
Efficient domestic air network plays an important role in promoting tourism by making it easier for travelers to explore domestic destinations. The economic effects of the increase in tourists are directly expanded beyond spending, creating an invisible powerful multiplier effect, supporting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and sustainable growth in the medium to long term. And contribute to profitability.
By strengthening air mobility, related industries can also expand the market, optimize operations, and reduce transportation costs.
In addition, efficient aviation network attracts investment in logistics -intensive sector and industries that depends on the prompt movement of customer interaction and supply chain management.
The combination of these factors emphasizes the widespread economic and social interests of the well -developed domestic aircraft.
Airport and aviation cities urbanization and infrastructure
The airport functions as a new urbanization hub, often promotes growth, and promotes infrastructure development of development corridors, roads, hotels, and business parks. A typical example is the Durban Airport City, which is a catalyst project for the Cabinet approval led by the Kwazur Natal government, and the master plan related to it. This initiative, which is carried out by Dube Tradeport closely with AIA, functions as other continents and other hubs and cities.
The integrated air transport infrastructure promotes a modern connected city ecosystem and enables efficient movement of people and things. Advanced air transport at major centers can provide prompt delivery of medical goods, transplant organs, and healthcare professionals, and to be reliably delivered to areas where services are not well received. Can be greatly enhanced. Domestic Airlines plays an important role in emergency relief activities in the event of a natural disaster, as represented by the important activities of South Africa's Air Mercy Services (AMS).
Innovation, technology transfer
In the aviation field, technology advances are particularly promoted in aviation and airport management systems. Airlines often lead to innovation in customer service, logistics, and data analysis.
In addition, the focus on sustainable air fuel (SAF) and carbon neutral efforts will promote more clean growth, and the industry will work with more environmentally friendly comparations. A recent debate on airline fuel supply in major airport hubs highlights the need for more robust systems and emergency response plans.
Competition environments may encourage African airlines to invest in cutting -edge technology, and may increase operating efficiency through digital reservation systems and high -fuel aircraft tools with high fuel efficiency, and at the same time improve passengers. 。
Liberalization of aviation policies, such as the introduction of the Open Sky Agreement, the alleviation of the outdated ownership and the capitalization regulation, will reduce the barrier to entry. This promotes competition, reduces airline prices, and supports the growth of cheap airlines. In addition, it is possible to develop a secondary route, improves the connection to areas where the service is not well -equipped, and promotes comprehensive growth throughout the continent.
Barbara Clrey, a newly appointed Minister of Transport at the Aviation African Summit in September 2024, coordinates regulations, standardizes procedures, and strengthens the cooperation between aviation authorities. Was emphasized.
“This approach not only improves operation efficiency, but also promotes more effective air ecosystem, which is integrated over the entire continent.”
He also emphasized the need for investment in green technology to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the industry and the need for exploration of alternative fuels that enable air business while protecting the health of the earth.
This moment is a timely opportunity for the Ministry of Transport to consider creating a white paper aimed at promoting the Minister's policy instructions. Such documents can comprehensively review the strategic importance of aviation in South Africa, promote the liberalization of this field, and emphasize the role of aerial aeriality in supporting the medium- to long -term development target of the nation. There is sex. Furthermore, consistent with the SAATM purpose will help to improve the continental aviation industry and to strengthen South Africa's position in modernization.
Tasks to overcome
Some countries may be reluctant to fully adopt open skires due to domestic political concerns and vested interests in the protection of local airlines. However, experts have suggested that the integration of airlines is essential for long -term profitability, but in the case of state -owned airlines, overcoming political and regulated barriers is still a serious problem. I am.
If SAATM is fully implemented through the African Civil Aviation Committee, the African aviation industry will be more interconnected, competitive and economically dynamic.
It will benefit not only aerial aeriality, but also the major departments such as trade, sightseeing, and overall economic growth throughout the continent, contributing to local cooperation and prosperity.
Henry Wishinch is an emeritus professor of public rule at the University of Kwasur Natal, and is a research and graduate education coordinator at the African Aerotropolis Research Institute.
