A team of three experts has been recruited by the project on a short-term basis for a period of 160 working days.
The team is currently undertaking a comprehensive study of the competitive landscape in the civil aviation sector in Africa. Furthermore, they will provide support to the AFCAC Competition Department and organise training and workshops.
The experts have conducted a series of interviews with key stakeholders, conducted comprehensive literature reviews, and prepared a detailed plan for several on-site missions.
Furthermore, to enhance the efficacy of the study and produce optimal results, the project will facilitate access to an ICAO Data + or IATA aviation database. Access to the database will be shared between the experts, the EASA project team and the AFCAC data analyst.
It is anticipated that the study will be concluded by 31 May 2025.
The team of experts will engage in several additional activities related to competition, the specifics of which will be further discussed with the AFCAC. Please refer to the section below, entitled 'Result 2'.
Background
Annex 5 of the YD, Regulation on Competition in Air Transport Services within Africa, was created with the objective of regulating the potential competition issues that may emerge from the liberalisation of the market and ensuring that all African aviation operators are able to compete on an equitable footing and are protected from unfair practices. Furthermore, the regulation aims to foster an environment conducive to innovation and improvement, ultimately benefiting African customers.
One of the primary objectives of the AFCAC, in its capacity as the executing agency of the YD and SAATM, is to guarantee the effective implementation of the competition regulation set forth in Annex 5, with a view to securing gains for the industry, operators, and consumers.
To this end, the AFCAC with the support of the project and the expert’s team, will conduct a study on competition in the African aviation industry by the end of Q1 2025. This study will enable the AFCAC, in collaboration with the relevant competition authorities and aeronautical authorities, to a) gain a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape on the continent and to adopt measures aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices. b) to align and harmonise the policies and regulations in order to promote fair competition and to support decision-makers; and c) create a database on competition in the African aviation industry to allow AFCAC and regulators to monitor the market.
The profiles of all the project experts can be consulted here: https://easa-afcac.com/activit...
Posted: Dec 09, 2024
