In a recently released statement, Mayco Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos argues for the introduction of an open skies policy in order to unlock economic growth and lower air travel costs.
‘This is not just about aviation – it’s about unlocking economic growth, tourism, and trade opportunities for Cape Town and South Africa,’ proclaimed Vos after admitting to writing to the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy who oversees aviation in South Africa.
According to Vos, an open skies policy removes restrictions on air routes, capacity, pricing and market access, ultimately enabling airlines to operate more freely and competitively.
Benefits of the policy include increased connectivity, lower airfares and more opportunities for businesses and travellers.
According to Vos, South Africa is a signatory to both the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). He describes these agreements as a key to designing liberalised air transport across Africa.
Vos, however, claims that despite these commitments, bureaucratic and protectionist barriers continue to limit the full potential of the country’s airspace.
‘The demand for air travel to Cape Town speaks for itself – Cape Town International Airport has exceeded its 2024 passenger target by 125%. This proves that our city is a leading aviation hub. But without a fully liberalised air transport framework, we are holding back investment, tourism, and job creation,’ continued Vos.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that air liberalisation could reportedly create 155 000 new jobs and contribute over R24 billion to GDP annually.
In addition, with every 12 international arrivals supporting one job in tourism, making flights more accessible means more opportunities for South Africans.
Vos concluded his statement by calling on the national government to take urgent action.
These actions include fast-tracking the country’s Single African Air Transport Market commitments by accelerating air access rights and bilateral agreements in Africa, strengthening competition regulations for fairer and more affordable air travel, rapidly scaling up infrastructure investment, which involves expanding the capacity and efficiency of key airports and lastly, granting more traffic rights to stimulate competition and connectivity.
‘As Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, I have been actively engaging with global airlines and stakeholders to attract more flights, demonstrating our city’s value as an investment destination. The Open Skies Policy is critical to furthering this work, boosting our visitor economy, and positioning Cape Town as the gateway to Africa,’ says Vos.
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