Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-04-08 00:54:39
Goldstar Air, a Ghanaian airline, is set to launch an airline alliance named Afrik Allianz. The airline is seeking the endorsement of the African Union (AU) to expand routes, share resources, and provide a seamless travel experience for international passengers. This initiative will allow passengers to access multiple destinations and convenient airway connections.
The Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air, Eric Bannerman, stated that Afrik Allianz aims to facilitate intra-regional trade and regional integration by enabling the movement of goods, services, and people across Africa and beyond. With over 121 airports in Africa and connections to other continents, the alliance aims to enhance multimodal transportation and connectivity. The Airports Council International (ACI) World forecasts that passenger traffic in Africa will reach 261 million by 2025.
The liberalization of air services in the United States and the European Union in the late 20th century prompted African policymakers to deregulate the continent’s air transport. Domestic carriers and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) also pushed for liberalization. Several initiatives were introduced from the 1980s onwards, leading to the signing of the Yamoussoukro Decision in 1999, which aimed at implementing deregulation and pro-competition policies in the aviation sector.
The Yamoussoukro Decision, a treaty adopted by most AU members, established a framework for the liberalization of air transport services between African countries. The decision grants rights for airlines based in member states to operate in each other’s airspace, with the aim of promoting fair competition and eliminating restrictions on ownership, capacity, and frequency limits on routes. However, the implementation of these policies has faced challenges and has not been completed by all AU members.
In 2018, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) was launched to fully implement the Yamoussoukro Decision. This initiative grants member states greater freedom within each other’s airspace. Different freedoms of the air have been defined to regulate scheduled international air services between states.
Despite criticisms from some countries and organizations, Eric Bannerman emphasized that Afrik Allianz members may engage in various forms of partnership, such as code-sharing agreements or joint ventures with other airlines. This collaboration will enable member carriers to expand their networks without investing in new aircraft, providing passengers with new destinations and longer routes by connecting partner flights.
To enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, Afrik Allianz members will collaborate in resource sharing, marketing programs, and IT systems. This joint effort aims to maintain a consistent level of service while preserving financial independence and brand identity for member carriers. Goldstar Air commends Air Peace for their participation in Afrik Allianz and looks forward to strengthening relationships within the African aviation industry.
Goldstar Air will initially operate flights from Kumasi International Airport to various destinations in Europe and from Accra Kotoka International Airport to cities in Africa, North America, and Asia. As Afrik Allianz commences, more destinations will be added to provide passengers with a wider range of travel options.
In conclusion, the establishment of Afrik Allianz represents a significant step towards enhancing air travel in Africa and promoting regional integration. By working together, member airlines can improve connectivity, streamline operations, and provide passengers with a seamless travel experience across the continent.
