African aviation is ripe for expansion – now policymakers need to make it happen
When Alex Dichter, now a senior partner at McKinsey & Company in London, tried to go to war-torn Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in the late 1990s to do voluntary work, the first problem was getting in. There was no functioning government and no official flights. The only solution at Kigali airport in neighboring Rwanda was for Dichter to go over to the cargo area with a couple of bottles of vodka in his rucksack and use it to “hitch a ride” with one of the mercenary Russian and Ukrainian aircraft that were ferrying arms into the DRC.
There are usually more conventional ways to get a flight within Africa. But it can mean flying out to Europe and then back into Africa again. Why, for example, is it impossible to fly direct between Kinshasa in the DRC and Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos? These are already huge cities and will become megalopolises in the future.
African aviation policymakers understand the potential of greater competition and increased direct services, but have multiple and conflicting objectives and constraints, Dichter notes. They may want to increase aviation services, and also need to protect domestic aviation jobs, “but they can’t have both. The desire to protect is politically powerful.” Many countries suspect that if exposed to real competition, their own national carrier might struggle to survive.
To state the obvious, Africa is a growth market for aviation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts a 5.9 percent year-on-year growth in African aviation over the next 20 years, with passenger numbers expected to increase from 100 million to more than 300 million by 2026. That suggests the possibility of Africa becoming a less fragmented continent with greater air connectivity, opening up economic benefits across the board.
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Business Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Business Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
The 246 beautifully appointed rooms offer a tranquil retreat for discerning guests.
The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
This is an exceptional destination for travellers seeking an upscale experience in Hyderabad.
Shangri-La Dubai
Shangri-La Dubai is the perfect starting point to explore the city's dynamic energy
Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Whether for business or leisure, a stay at this prestigious hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression of elegance and refinement.
The Abu Dhabi Edition
The Abu Dhabi Edition is an unrivalled waterfront sanctuary ushering in a new era in the bustling cityscape
Culinary Confidential
Renowned chefs from around the country share their favourite recipes, revealing the heartfelt stories and cherished memories behind each dish
AIR MILES
Business Traveller India speaks to Shivani Parikh, founder of Shivanii about inclusive fashion, breaking traditional design norms and more.
OUT OF OFFICE
A round up of London's top spots for remote workers
ELEGANCE UNWOUND
Amidst the symphony of precision engineering and timeless design, luxury watches unravel tales of sophistication and opulence on every dial. Here is Business Traveller India's curation of some of the most luxuriously unique time-pieces.
NAVIGATING THE WINGS OF CHANGE
Trends reshaping the Aviation industry.