Author(s): Francis Malinga, Arvind Kumar Jain and Hiranmoy Roy
This study evaluates the strategic role of bilateral air service agreements in Africa's regulatory framework and their limitations in relation to aviation sector liberalization. The body of current research suggests that bilateral aviation service agreements increase in tandem with levels of global connectivity. However, it immediately becomes evident from the recent dispute between Tanzania and Kenya that the primary goal of these agreements in Africa is the exchange of passenger traffic rights in comparison to freight traffic rights where passenger traffic rights are prioritized over freight rights. However, as a result of the Yamoussoukro decision's poor execution, bilateral aviation service agreements in Africa continue to be burdensome. The results of this study also indicate that not much research has been done on the connection between tourism and the expansion of charter flights. As a result, this study suggests that African states swiftly implement the Yamoussoukro decision so they can bargain bilateral air service agreements as a block with third parties, rather than separately with each member state, as is the situation with the European Union. It is also important to accept a new wave of open skies agreements, which are considerably more liberal and are similar to those the United States of America made with a number of other nations as well as what is happening within the European union. This study further recommends that in order to facilitate tourism, it is important to consider the significance of charter airlines.
