ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines has been a pioneer in advocating for the liberalization of air transport and fostering connectivity across the African continent, stated Raphael Kuuchi, the Consulting Director for Government, Legal and Industry Affairs at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

According to Ethiopian News Agency, in an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Ethiopian Airlines was ahead of its time, embracing the concepts of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) even before the African Union formally proposed it. The SAATM initiative, part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to create a unified air transport market in Africa to spur economic integration and boost connectivity across the continent.

Kuuchi praised Ethiopian Airlines for not only being the largest airline operating in Africa but also for its efforts in assisting other African carriers to elevate their services and capabilities. He emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines is committed to a collaborative growth model, believing that “together we are stronger.”

He further noted that despite Ethiopia’s leadership, Africa remains the last continent to fully liberalize its air transport sector. Kuuchi argued that without such liberalization, African airlines struggle to expand and compete with non-African carriers.

Additionally, he linked the future of Africa’s air transport liberalization to the broader implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, highlighting the potential benefits of improved movement of people and goods across the continent.

Kuuchi underscored the importance of easier travel within Africa, advocating for policies such as visa-free travel or visas on arrival among African nations to enhance trade, connectivity, and economic development.