Uganda ready to ratify Single African Air Transport Market
According to Katumba Wamala, by ratifying SAATM, Uganda aims to enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, and promote tourism across the continent.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has declared Uganda’s readiness to ratify the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) declaration.
This move signifies Uganda’s commitment to the liberalization and integration of the African aviation market, further solidifying the country’s position as a key player in the industry.
Katumba revealed this during the launch of the African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly, that was launched at Uganda Media Center on Tuesday.
The Single African Air Transport Market declaration seeks to establish a single, unified air transport market in Africa by removing restrictions on market access, granting traffic rights, and promoting fair competition among African airlines.
According to Katumba Wamala, by ratifying SAATM, Uganda aims to enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, and promote tourism across the continent.
“This is a vote of confidence in the Country and an indication that the revival of the National Carrier was not in vain. I wish to therefore congratulate the leadership of Uganda Airlines on this achievement in such a short time despite the bumpy start that was aggravated by Covid-19,” he said.
He noted that the 55th edition of the African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly, hosted by Uganda Airlines, will bring together key industry players in the African aviation industry.
“The event also brings to life optimism in the aviation sector and justification to nurture the next generation of aviators to grow the industry. The Government is committed to supporting the Airline to ensure unimpeded preparations and alignment of all concerned sectors to ensure that the Event is a success,”
Jennifer Bamuturaki, the CEO of Uganda Airlines and President of AFRAA, outlined her commitment to advancing the African aviation sector. She says that the assembly will serve as a platform to address the crucial issues and fragility points that the industry currently faces.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Abdérahmane Berthé, explained that the meeting will also focus on strategic cooperation in areas that accelerate African Air transport growth to play bigger on a global scene.
The AFRAA is the leading trade association of airlines which hail from the nations of the African Union.
50 airlines comprising of all the major intercontinental African operators and the Association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by all African airlines.
