Airline operations across a swathe of eastern and southern Africa are poised for a major shake-up following the adoption of a new open skies policy by 21 countries spanning the continent.
Aviation authority representatives from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) states agreed the regional pact at a meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, at the end of July. The accord effectively dispenses with existing - and restrictive - bilateral air services agreements, and introduces a new, liberal regime for all COMESA countries, with services governed by simple route licence approvals.
The new policy opens the way for airlines other than national carriers to offer scheduled passenger services in the region. Non-flag carriers now typically offer scheduled domestic services, but operate into neighbouring territories only on a charter basis.
The first phase of the open skies policy comes into effect on 1 October, permitting the free movement of intra-COMESA air cargo and non-scheduled passenger traffic. Ultimately, the rules will allow for fifth freedom operations by airlines from member states and should encourage codesharing.
Up to two daily flights between city pairs will be allowed without reference to bilateral treaties, although any frequencies beyond that number will require bilaterals. The new policy places no restrictions on type or capacity of aircraft - although it is not fully liberal in that only those operators effectively owned and controlled by COMESA governments or nationals will benefit from it.
This clause effectively excludes carriers such as Uganda-based SA-Alliance Air, which, although partially owned by the government of Tanzania, has South African Airways as its largest shareholder.
Despite this restriction, COMESA sources say the agreement is likely to encourage consolidation among African airlines.
The accord also frees rules governing cross-border investment in areas including airport services.
Source: Flight International
