Major Cargo Airlines Boost AfCFTA Progress | By Dominick Andoh | In a groundbreaking move to enhance exports and boost intra-African trade, major international cargo airlines have pledged ongoing collaboration with key ground handlers and stakeholders across the continent, aiming to advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Launched in 2018, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a significant step towards economic unity in Africa. this agreement aims to create a unified market for goods and services by reducing tariffs and trade barriers.
The AfCFTA covers a population of some 1.2 billion people and is designed to enhance intra-African trade and promote economic integration. It is set to bolster the competitiveness of African nations in the global market.
Despite the potential, a major drawback has been the inadequate air cargo capacity among African airlines to transport goods and services swiftly among AfCFTA member-countries and key export markets in other parts of the world.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing Air Cargo Africa event in Nairobi, Kenya from 19 to 21 February, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, stated that Emirates is prepared to establish partnerships across the continent to facilitate the export of various perishables both intra-Africa and between Africa and other regions of the world.
“We do have some Fifth Freedom [the right of an airline to carry passengers or cargo between two foreign countries as part of a service that originates or ends in its home country] arrangements between different countries from Africa. However, it depends on the bilateral arrangements we have with other countries.
On top of that, we are working with partners to make that [transporting goods between African countries] possible. Whether it is trucking or through air, our partnerships with the African airlines could also help move cargo within the African countries,” Mr. Abbas said.
New Partnership To Enhance Air Cargo in Africa.
Caption: Mr. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation Limited (left) and Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President (Right) signing the agreement on Day 2 of the Air Cargo Africa event on-going in Kenya.
Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), at the Air Cargo Africa event, Astral Aviation, one of the leading cargo airlines in Africa, to explore ways to boost global trade to and from the continent
Astral Aviation operates an extensive intra-Africa network of 50 destinations served via scheduled and adhoc charters. Matched with Emirates SkyCargo’s vast global network of over 145 destinations and fleet of passenger aircraft and dedicated freighters, the partnership underscores the growing prominence of Africa as a competitive player in world trade. Both airlines bring particular experience in handling sensitive cargo, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lifesaving pharmaceuticals, which are key commodities transported to and from the market.
The agreement was signed at Air Cargo Africa by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President and Mr. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation Limited. Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and Astral Aviation will work closely on a number of initiatives, which include expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, to enhance connectivity and boost the reach of African businesses.
Major Cargo Airlines Boost AfCFTA Progress | AviationGhana | By Dominick Andoh
