Cape Town: The city calls for Open Skies to boost economy and lower the air travel costs. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos released an official statement regarding this.
James Vos stated, “I have written to the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy who oversees aviation in our country, urging the National Government to implement an Open Skies Policy.” He added that this is not just about aviation, it’s about unlocking economic growth, tourism and trade opportunities for Cape Town and South Africa.
An Open Skies Policy is successfully adopted by various regions globally. The policy removes restrictions on air routes, capacity, pricing and market access by enabling airlines to operate more freely and competitively.
It has numerous benefits which clearly shows increased connectivity, lower airfares and more opportunities for businesses and travellers.
James Vos acknowledged that South Africa is signatory to both the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), as key agreements that are designed to liberalise air transport across Africa. Despite of these commitments, the bureaucratic and protectionist barriers continue to limit the full potential of the airspace.
Moreover, the demand for air travel to Cape Town speaks for itself, as Cape Town International Airport has exceeded its 2024 passenger target by 125%. This proves that the city is a leading aviation hub. Without fully liberalised air transport framework, the city is holding back the investment, tourism and job creation.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that air liberalisation could create 155,000 new jobs and contribute over R24 billion to GDP annually. Additionally, with every 12 international arrivals supporting one job in tourism, making flights more accessible means more opportunities for South Africans.
Vos mentioned that he is calling on National Government to take the following urgent actions:
- Fast Track the country’s Single African Air Transport Market commitments to accelerate air access rights and bilateral agreements in Africa.
- Strengthen competition regulations for fairer and more affordable air travel.
- Rapidly scale-up the infrastructure investment to expand the capacity and efficiency at key airports.
- Grant more traffic rights to introduce phased rights to key markets to stimulate competition and connectivity.
Alderman James Vos stated further that, as Cape Town’s MMC for Economic Growth and Tourism he has been actively engaging with the global airlines and stakeholders to attract more flights, by demonstrating the value of the city as an investment destination.
Notably, the Open Skies Policy is critical to further expand this work, boost the visitor economy and position Cape Town as the gateway to Africa. Vos highlighted his commitment towards working with partners to make this vision a reality because a more connected Cape Town means a stronger economy for all.