South Africa has renewed calls for the implementation of the long-discussed Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), as aviation leaders push for improved regional connectivity despite challenges.
Speaking at the opening of the 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention in Johannesburg on May 18, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said government aimed to strengthen SA’s role in African aviation.
Hosted by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and SAA, under the theme ‘Resilient African Aviation: Partnerships – Empowerment – Profitability’, the convention focused on addressing global uncertainty, geopolitical risks, regulatory divergence and infrastructure constraints, while positioning Africa as the next frontier for aviation growth.
Creecy said the Department of Transport aimed to enable the movement of 42 million passengers through its airports by 2029; invest in the country’s aviation infrastructure to support regional connectivity; and address red tape in the issuing of air services licences and foreign operator permits as part of its commitment to SAATM.
African airline profit gap
However, the push for SAATM comes against a backdrop of severe economic disparity. Despite Africa’s robust passenger growth, the continent’s airlines are expected to generate a collective nett profit of just US$200 million (R3 billion) in 2026.
According to Kamil Al-Awadhi, Regional VP for IATA, Africa and Middle East, this supports a profit margin of only US$1,30 (R21,63) per passenger, compared with a global average of US$7,90 (131,47).
“Despite our vast potential, our continent still accounts for a relatively small share of global air traffic. To realise this opportunity, we must act decisively. We must accelerate the implementation of SAATM, invest in modern infrastructure, digitisation, safety systems and operational efficiencies,” emphasised Creecy.
Matshela Seshibe, Acting CEO of SAA, reinforced the importance of continental collaboration to succeed in the current operating environment. “Collaboration is no longer optional for African aviation, it is essential for survival, sustainability and long-term competitiveness.”
“The reality is clear – no African airline can succeed in isolation. An integrated, co-operative and coordinated aviation sector is essential if we are to overcome fragmentation and compete effectively on the global stage. South Africa stands ready to play our part in this,” said Creecy.
Complex environment
In his welcome address, Abdérahmane Berthé, Secretary General of AFRAA, acknowledged that African aviation continued to operate in a highly complex and uncertain global environment.
Berthé noted that geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, currency pressures, rising operating costs, infrastructure gaps and aircraft availability constraints had placed pressure on African carriers.
He reminded delegates that the continent’s fragmentation across 54 states, multiple regulatory frameworks, and hundreds of restrictive bilateral air services agreements, made collaboration among stakeholders essential.
“The question is no longer whether Africa will grow, but whether African aviation will be sufficiently prepared and positioned to capture that growth sustainably and remain competitive,” Berthé stated.
George Kamal, Acting Group CEO of Kenya Airways and Chairman of the AFRAA Executive Committee, called for accelerated liberalisation, infrastructure investment and cross-industry collaboration to narrow the gap between Africa’s aviation demand and its realised connectivity.
