The Economic Effects of Air Transport Market Liberalisation

This book rigorously examines the air transport market liberalisation process on the African continent and presents key highlights, challenges, and impediments to embracing an “open skies” market environment in Africa. It focuses on the economic impact of air transport liberalisation, policy constraints, challenges of harmonisation, and regional economic integration and its impact on air transport development, employing a quantitative assessment based on the Air Transport Liberalisation Index (ALI) to evaluate how an open skies policy would change the competitive dynamics of air transport in Africa. Adopting a two-tier gravity model, it explores how demand and route networks would be impacted by the deregulation of the air transport market. It also applies a historical perspective by evaluating the initial ratification of the Yamoussoukro Declaration (1999), which acted as a catalyst for Africa’s 2063 regional agenda, focused on establishing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), exploring its multifaceted impacts on Africa’s single market from economic, regulatory, and sustainability perspectives. It examines the capacity and competency building of African aviation personnel. Training gaps and skills are extensively evaluated to ensure that the African region is prepared for the “new” competitive equilibrium post SAATM. Moreover, the book raises critical questions regarding the status of the African air transport market. This book i978-3-031-61863-5transport landscape.