Uganda Airlines recently joined the league of African carriers offering services in Nigeria. This move signifies a significant step towards improving air connectivity between Nigeria and other African nations.
Air Algeria Prepares for Nigeria Debut
Air Algeria is gearing up to kickstart its operations in Nigeria, following the footsteps of other African airlines. This development highlights the growing importance of Nigeria as a strategic market for aviation in the region.
Viva Jets Launches Private Jet Operations in Africa
Viva Jets, a Nigerian indigenous jet operator, has ventured into private jet operations across various African countries, introducing a novel approach to the aviation sector within the continent.
The utilization of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) has opened up new opportunities for African airlines to establish a stronger presence in Nigeria. This move comes as a response to the pressing need to address the existing challenges in flight connectivity between Nigeria and other African countries.
The Need for Improved Connectivity
Despite the remarkable potential of the African aviation industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that the continent suffers from the lowest air connectivity globally. With only a meager percentage of significant direct services between African Union countries, the current state of air travel often requires extensive and inconvenient multi-day journeys or connections via other continents.
To mitigate this issue, the African Union (AU) introduced the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in 2018, aiming to establish a unified air transport market in Africa, fostering economic integration and enhancing air connectivity.
Challenges in SAATM Implementation
The slow pace of SAATM implementation has hindered the liberalization of air transport markets across the continent, with only a fraction of African countries having signed up for the initiative. Nigeria, as a signatory to SAATM, has become an attractive hub for various African airlines seeking to capitalize on the country’s strategic geographical location, youthful population, and the potential opportunities embedded in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Perspectives from Industry Experts
According to Seyi Adewale, the CEO of Mainstream Cargo Limited, Nigeria’s vibrant and youthful population, comprising approximately 65-70 percent of the total population, has long positioned the country as a lucrative market and an enticing destination within Africa.
Olumide Ohunayo, an industry analyst and Director at Zenith Travels, emphasizes the need for Nigeria to strengthen its domestic airlines to compete effectively in the evolving aviation landscape. Ohunayo stresses the importance of enabling Nigerian airlines to participate in the global aviation transformation, fostering partnerships and investments with other African carriers.
The Significance of Improved Connectivity
Sindy Foster, the principal managing partner at Avaero Capital Partners, highlights the significance of enhanced air connectivity in driving economic growth, attracting investors, and fostering tourism. Foster underscores the mutual benefits for Nigeria and other countries resulting from increased collaboration and air traffic.
The Potential of AfCFTA and Enhanced Air Connectivity
With the full implementation of the AfCFTA on the horizon, Adewale emphasizes the increasing opportunities for cross-border trade and collaborations, positioning Africa for a more integrated and interconnected economic landscape. Adewale also points out the shift towards exploring vacation destinations within the continent, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional international destinations.
Enhancing Flight Connectivity with Viva Jets
Erika Achums, CEO of Vivajets, highlights the role of Viva Jets in bridging the gap in flight connectivity between Nigeria and other African nations, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering seamless travel experiences within the region.
As African airlines continue to recognize the potential in Nigeria’s aviation sector, the nation is poised to emerge as a key player in fostering enhanced air connectivity and promoting economic integration across the continent.
