Africa-Press – Liberia. Minister Tyler described the launch of SAATM as a “bold new era” for African aviation, emphasizing Liberia’s commitment to advancing regional integration through comprehensive air transport reforms.
Liberia’s Minister of Transport, Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, has reaffirmed the country’s full support for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a transformative initiative aimed at liberalizing airspace across the African continent.
Speaking to FrontPageAfrica from Abuja on Thursday, Minister Tyler described the launch of SAATM as a “bold new era” for African aviation, emphasizing Liberia’s commitment to advancing regional integration through comprehensive air transport reforms.
“We want domesticated air services across Africa,” Minister Tyler said. “Our goal is to regionalize flights, making air travel more accessible and affordable. By increasing the number of flights, we can lower airfare. Reduced prices mean more people will travel, which boosts GDP, strengthens tourism, and benefits sectors like hospitality.”
Tyler referenced the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), a coalition of West African countries working together to harmonize air transport policies. “The BAG States are pushing for the domestication of air services, making regional flights more frequent and affordable. When we reduce airfares, more people fly, tourism expands, hotels thrive, and the economy grows. It’s a win for everyone,” he added.
He also disclosed ongoing plans among BAG member states to establish a unified regional carrier, the proposed “One West African Airline.” This initiative would enhance connectivity, streamline airline operations, and significantly reduce costs for both passengers and carriers.
Liberia, along with Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conakry, Cape Verde, and The Gambia, is at the forefront of efforts to implement SAATM. The African Union-backed initiative seeks to eliminate barriers to intra-African air travel, foster competition, and support sustainable growth in the aviation sector.
“SAATM is not just a vision—it’s a necessity,” Minister Tyler said. “It will reduce travel time, improve passenger experience, and unlock economic opportunities across Africa.”
The ongoing 18th plenary session of the Banjul Accord Group in Abuja marks a significant milestone for regional aviation. The meeting has brought together key aviation stakeholders, including Directors-General of Civil Aviation (DGCAs) from member states, with a shared focus on the urgent implementation of SAATM.
The plenary reaffirmed BAG members’ commitment to the Yamoussoukro Declaration and Decision—cornerstones of African air transport liberalization. Discussions centered on aligning national aviation policies with the revised SAATM principles to ensure their effective integration into domestic regulatory frameworks.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, officially opened the gathering, stressing SAATM’s role in improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and lowering travel costs. He noted that the initiative aligns with broader objectives of economic integration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Council (AFCAC), echoed these sentiments, urging BAG countries to urgently incorporate SAATM into national legislation. She emphasized the need for strengthened regulatory bodies to enforce aviation reforms and support the continent’s growing air travel market.
Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Aviation—represented by Senator Augustine Akobundu—reiterated the Nigerian legislature’s support for BAG’s objectives and pledged necessary legislative reforms to ensure SAATM’s successful implementation.
Africa’s aviation industry continues to face longstanding challenges, including high airfares, limited connectivity, and regulatory fragmentation. SAATM was conceived to address these issues by facilitating the free movement of air services across the continent—boosting trade, tourism, and investment.
As part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, SAATM represents a critical step toward a more economically integrated and connected Africa. Studies have shown that improved air connectivity can significantly enhance trade and tourism—two key pillars of the AU’s development strategy.
As Liberia joins its West African neighbors in renewing its commitment to SAATM, Minister Tyler’s message is clear: “Africa is ready to own its skies, and Liberia is proud to be part of that transformation.”
With SAATM gaining unstoppable momentum, a new era of affordable, accessible, and connected African aviation is on the horizon—and Liberia is helping to lead the charge.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
