Burkina Faso : The stakes of creating a regional airline by AES
Experts from the air transport sector of Sahel states gathered at the Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport in Burkina Faso for a historic two-day event. This meeting saw the participation of significant delegations from Niger and Mali, marking the beginning of crucial discussions on the establishment of a regional airline within the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA).
During the Civil Aviation Days in Burkina Faso, the Burkinabe Minister of Transport, Roland Somda, emphasized the strategic importance of the civil aviation sector in the economic and social development of AES member countries. He hinted at the possibility of a joint airline without providing specific details at this stage.
The creation of a regional airline within ASECNA could bring significant benefits to member countries, both economically and in terms of connectivity and overall development. Here are some potential advantages of this initiative :
A regional airline would facilitate trade and intra-regional tourism, stimulating local economies by providing easier and more affordable access to markets and tourist sites in the Sahel region.
Establishing a regional airline would improve air connectivity between different Sahel countries. This would allow travelers to benefit from direct routes and reduced transit times, encouraging cultural, commercial, and social exchanges between member nations.
A joint airline would allow for the pooling of resources and maximization of existing airport infrastructure usage. This could lead to economies of scale, reducing operational costs for each participating country.
By developing a regional airline, member countries could also enhance their safety and maintenance standards. An airline under the auspices of ASECNA could benefit from unified standards and common training, thereby improving safety for all passengers.
The creation of a regional airline within ASECNA represents a significant opportunity for Sahel countries. It would open up new economic horizons, strengthen regional connectivity, optimize resources, and create jobs. As discussions continue, it is clear that this initiative has the potential to transform the aviation landscape of the region for the benefit of all its inhabitants.
