Audio By Carbonatix
The minister for aviation Kofi Adda is charging African heads and the International Civil Aviation Organization to work on eliminating cumbersome flight connectivity on the African continent by 2022.
Currently, a lack of adequate infrastructure among others has led to a situation where African travellers may have to go thousands of miles out of their way and transfer through the Middle East or Europe to connect to other African countries.
Addressing the second plenary session at the ongoing In International Civil aviation Authority 40th Assembly in Montreal, Canada, Minister for Aviation Kofi Adda said the move is key in improving business on the continent.
He said, "It is about time anyone who wishes to do business from anywhere in Africa to fly to everywhere in Africa in less than 24 hours without leaving the Africa airspace. I, therefore, call on policymakers, business operators and other key stakeholders in the sector to ensure that this becomes a reality by 2022.”
The need for improved connectivity has become urgent as the International Air Transport Association considers Africa as a growing aviation market with IATA forecasting a 5.9% year-on-year growth in African Aviation over the next 20 years and passenger numbers expected to increase from 100m to more than 300m by 2026.
Mr Adda also challenged African nations to work hard on improving safety and security on the continent.
The minister said, "We see this as an inspiration for other countries to aspire to higher scores to ensure that continent-wise Africa will be seen as having a safer and secure aviation industry to attract more investment.”
He said these efforts were in line with making Ghana an aviation hub.
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