Published: 09 December 2013

Leaders of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have resolved to work closely to better serve the continent's air transport market and connect Africa to the rest of the world.

A statement at the end of the 45th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of AFRAA and summit in Mombasa, Kenya, called for unrestrained intra-Africa market access (where demand exists), regulatory alignment among African states and an even playing field that encourages fair competition among players.

Convened under the theme 'Challenging Times - Africa's Strategic Alignment', the three-day conference brought together over 360 high profile delegates from 55 countries across the world.

If this objective is achieved well connected air lines would encourage business transactions with the rest of the world which will improve the ease of doing business and attract Foreign Direct Investment to Zimbabwe.

On the role of government in the development of air transport in Africa, the AFRAA Assembly called upon the authorities to demonstrate commitment towards liberalising the air transport industry and creating a conducive environment for airline operations.

"This will increase regional and domestic traffic and create a bigger Africa-base market for the airlines. Governments should remove barriers to cooperation between carriers and put in place policy and regulatory framework that facilitate beneficial cooperation," the assembly agreed.

- TradeMark

You might also want to read this

• Air Zimbabwe resumes S.Africa flight after settling debt
• Zimbabwe still to get Embraer operating manual
• Air Zimbabwe using antiquated software
• Credibility of Zimbabwe-led poll observer mission queried
• Air Zimbabwe failing to attract an investor
• Air Zimbabwe acquires new Boeing 777 planes
• New regulations for Zimbabwean Presidential aspirants
• Zimbabwe now a truly cashless society
• Zimbabwe earns US$5bn through exports
• West tightens screws on Zimbabwe