Blocked funds increasing problem for airlines in Africa - Iata

Cape Town - The International Air Transport Association (Iata) forecasts a trebling in the size of Angola’s air transport market to 7.1 million passengers a year by 2036 at the present forecast annual growth rate of 6.7%.

However, even faster growth with greater socio-economic benefits for Angola could be achieved if the country opens up its market and prioritises its participation in the continent-wide connectivity efforts, unblocks funds, consults with industry to improve infrastructure and maintains world class safety standards, in the view of Iata.

“Aviation is vitally important to Africa. It currently supports 6.8 million jobs and contributes $73bn in gross domestic product (GDP) across the continent. It connects people and businesses, enables trade and tourism, reunites families and friends, carries products to markets and vital medicines and aid to communities where they are needed," said Alexandre de Juniac, Iata’s director general and CEO, at the industry body's aviation day in Luanda, Angola.

"Angola needs to work with industry to ensure that it is prepared to reap the future benefits of increased air connectivity.”

De Juniac identified four pressing concerns in Angola and Africa, which governments and industry stakeholders must address for a healthy and strong aviation system.
 
Blocked funds
 
Blocked funds and denied access to foreign exchange in Africa is an increasing problem. In nine African countries, international carriers are unable to repatriate their foreign currency earnings, while locally-based airlines experience difficulties making on-time foreign currency payments to their suppliers and business partners.

"Angola and other countries blocking funds are undergoing significant economic challenges. But blocking airlines’ funds is not the answer. It is in everybody's interest to ensure that airlines are paid on-time, at fair exchange rates and in full,” explained de Juniac.

• READ: African airlines set to post $100m loss - Iata
  

Connectivity
 
The second priority is improving connectivity. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate demand and competition, making air travel more affordable and in doing so, enable higher volumes of trade, tourism and commerce between Angola, its sister nations and the rest of the world.

Iata’s recent study found that, if 12 key African markets, including Angola, were opened up, an extra 155 000 jobs and $1.3bn in annual GDP would be created in those countries.

Efficient infrastructure expansion

Modern infrastructure is critical for aviation to deliver its economic and social benefits. Luanda’s new international airport will play a major role. However, consultation is needed to ensure that it is aligned with airline requirements.

• READ: Aviation safety in Africa continues to improve - Iata
  

Safety
 
Safety is critical and has always been a challenge for Africa. With governments and industry working together significant improvements have been achieved.

In 2016, for example, there were no fatal accidents or hull losses involving sub-Sahara African scheduled airline services. To sustain and further improve this safety performance, continuous effort based on global standards and best practices is needed.

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