Legend has it that when African states gained their political independence from Western countries they were bequeathed three seemingly essential symbols of sovereignty – a national flag, a national anthem and a national airline.
Today, Africa probably has more national flag-carriers than any other continent, but represents less than 3% of global air traffic. Compared with a population of over 600 million people, Africa has under 400 commercial jet aircraft. Clearly, the potential for dynamic growth exists.
Most African airlines are handicapped by their small size, obsolete equipment, inadequate capital, insufficient traffic, weak national economy, strong international competition, lack of autonomy and transient management. Separately, they lack the critical mass needed to benefit from economies of scale and to compete effectively in the tough international airline industry.
In response to these challenges, African Ministers responsible for Civil Aviation held a Special Conference in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, in October, 1988, and agreed on a New Air Transport Policy for Africa which envisaged the phased integration of their national airlines over an eight-year period.
During the sub-regional air transport meeting held in Mauritius late last year delegates rightly emphasised the need for simple and economically viable joint ventures, to start with. They noted that several African airlines have already embarked on co-operative ventures – although much remains to be achieved.
Notably, one of the key objectives of the ‘Yamoussoukro Declaration’ is the establishment of an African leasing and financing company to facilitate the acquisition of modern aircraft. We believe that this leasing company could play an important role in re-equipping African airlines, if it is properly structured and funded. A strategic link with one or more experienced international aircraft lessors is an interesting possibility which could offer mutual benefits.