Lemma Yadecha Gudeta, the Group Chief Commercial Officer (GCCO) of Ethiopian Airlines, highlighted the significance of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) in enhancing air connectivity across the continent.
In an interview in Addis Ababa, Yadecha Gudeta emphasized that SAATM, as an African Union (AU) initiative aimed at establishing a free airspace in Africa, presents a pivotal opportunity for African airlines to thrive.
Ethiopian Airlines has been at the forefront of advocating for SAATM since its inception, recognizing its potential to foster greater cooperation and connectivity among African nations.
Yadecha Gudeta noted the substantial progress made by African countries in advancing the objectives of SAATM.
He explained, “The SAATM initiative is integral to the AU’s agenda of promoting a unified African airspace. Ethiopian Airlines has been a staunch supporter of this initiative from day one.
Today, we are witnessing significant strides, with African airlines receiving more favorable reception compared to the past.”
Yadecha Gudeta underscored the importance of SAATM in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting the need for liberalized airspace to facilitate fair competition and greater participation of African airlines in the continent’s air transportation. Currently, African carriers account for less than 20 percent of air traffic within Africa.
By embracing SAATM, Ethiopian Airlines envisions a future where African airlines can freely navigate the air transport industry and seamlessly connect industries across the continent, thereby enhancing intra-African trade and economic growth.
