EAC Partner States Urged Swift Adoption of Air Transport Market Regulations

Hon. Ariik highlighted the benefits of a fully liberalized air transport market, including easier movement of people and goods, increased tourism, and enhanced trade among EAC member states.

In a significant push towards regional integration, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, has called on EAC Partner States to expedite the signing of the EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations.

At the 19th Meeting of Director Generals of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, Hon. Ariik emphasized the importance of these regulations for the economic growth and connectivity within East Africa. The regulations, which have been developed and are pending submission to the 19th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication, and Meteorology (SC-TCM) for adoption, aim to liberalize the air transport market in the region.

Once adopted and ratified by the Partner States, the regulations will facilitate the negotiation of Regional Air Transport Bilateral arrangements under the Multilateral Air Services Agreement. This liberalisation is expected to reduce air fare costs, boost demand for air travel, increase operational efficiency, and support the expansion of air transport capacities, thereby stimulating regional economic growth.

Hon. Ariik highlighted the benefits of a fully liberalized air transport market, including easier movement of people and goods, increased tourism, and enhanced trade among EAC member states. He stressed that removing barriers to air travel would improve competitiveness and attract investment in the region.

The Deputy Secretary General also advocated for harmonizing regulatory fees and charges across the region, suggesting that the EAC Air Transport Market should be treated as a domestic market for EAC-registered air operators. This approach could potentially lower passenger tariffs and address public concerns about high air fare costs.

To support the liberalisation process, Hon. Ariik urged the Directors of Civil Aviation Authorities to implement agreed-upon programs and projects, including ratifying model regulations. He also revealed that the EAC Secretariat, in collaboration with Partner States, has developed strategies to lower air fare costs and is awaiting reports from all Partner States on national consultations.

The 19th Meeting of the Heads of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities is a follow-up to the 18th Meeting held in January 2023. The current meeting focuses on evaluating the implementation of Civil Aviation programs for the period from February 2023 to June 2024 and advancing the integration of the air transport industry within the EAC region.