Abstract
Background: The African aviation liberalisation process began in 1988, following the
liberalisation processes in Europe and the United States (US). However, by 2023, Intra-Africa
air services are still reliant on the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) by which
international traffic rights are exchanged in terms of the 1944 Chicago Convention, a
multilateral treaty. These impose restrictions on intra-African connectivity and are obstacles to
liberalisation. African multilateral initiatives, such as the Yamoussoukro Declaration, have
varying levels of implementation by African states. While liberalisation efforts have major
impacts on airlines, thus far these have been led by government structures.
Objective: The main objectives of the study are to determine the involvement of airlines in
African liberalisation development and the likely impact of the liberalisation initiatives on
airline operations.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 intra-Africa airline executives
from four Regional Economic Communities (REC), which would be impacted by liberalisation.
Results: The study finds that airlines do not fully participate in the development of liberalisation
initiatives. Although sometimes consulted, their associations are usually only granted observer
status at deliberations and negotiations. The likely impacts of the initiatives to airlines include
direct connectivity, and harmonised African air transport access.
Conclusion: The lack of airline participation may be a key reason for the slow progress towards
liberalisation and full deregulation in Africa.
Contribution: This study contributes to the body of knowledge, by being the first study to
consider the role of airlines in the development of liberalisation initiatives.