AFRAA was among key stakeholders at the AFCAC Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) PIP Airshow that took place from 29-30 July, 2024 in Freetown – Sierra Leone. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation of Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).
Key Objectives and Benefits of the SAATM Airshow include:
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The airshow emphasized the application of the Key Performance Indicator Tool to monitor and evaluate YD/SAATM implementation among the seven member states.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Advocacy meetings with stakeholders, including airports, airlines, ANSP, immigration, customs, revenue authorities, ground handling companies, tourism boards and ECOWAS, aimed to optimize SAATM implementation in terms of infrastructure, visa openness, trade facilitation, technology and digitalization.
- Operational and Technical Assistance: The event highlighted the operational and technical assistance required by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority to improve safety, security, environmental protection, air transport and other civil aviation areas for successful SAATM implementation.
The airshow also focused on removing impediments such as non-harmonization of application costs, non/late approval of carrier designations, high inspection costs, taxes, charges and fees, as well as passenger and cargo facilitation issues and other non-physical barriers.
AFRAA was represented by Mr Raphael Kuuchi – Consulting Director Government, Legal & Industry Affairs.