The East African Business Council (EABC) recommends regional coordinated guidelines and measures on the opening of the aviation sector to bolster consumer confidence and support the recovery of the sector.
Dr. Peter Mathuki, Executive Director EABC says there should be a waiver on landing fees, excise duty on aviation fuel, navigation, landing, and parking to cut airline’s operating costs.
“In the opening of the regional air transport services, the EAC partner states should consider temporarily granting freedom rights to effectively increase capacity, reduce inefficiencies and costs,” Mathuki said in a statement.
“The East African Business Council urges the EAC partner states to fast-track opening of air transport services to boost regional trade, tourism, and hospitality sectors,” he said.
In East Africa, Tanzania resumed international flights on May 18.
Kenya has planned to open domestic air travel on 15th July 2020 and international flights in Kenya and Rwanda are expected to resume on 1st August 2020.
“The East African Business Council appreciates the measures by the EAC partner states aimed at supporting the resumption of domestic and international flights in the region, this is vital for the recovery of the aviation sector,” Mathuki said.
Mathuki said that the reopening of the regional aviation sector will stimulate economic activities not only in the sector but also in the tourism sector which has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
