Why it Matters
- SAATM increases competitive pressure on African airlines, making consolidation and cooperation essential for survival and growth.
- Infrastructure limitations and funding challenges remain major barriers to improved connectivity and market expansion.
- Fleet renewal, digitalisation and skills development are critical to raising operational standards across Africa.
- Demonstrable progress by the next summit will show whether Africa is moving toward a stronger, more integrated aviation market.
At the Luanda Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, held from 28 to 31 October, TAAG Angola Airlines Chairman Mr Clóvis Martins Rosa contributed to the panel discussion on Financing and Modernising African Civil Aviation Infrastructure (SAATM). His remarks focused on the opportunities and pressures created by Africa’s move toward an open, integrated air transport market, and the steps African airlines must take to position themselves within this evolving landscape.
Open Skies and the Need for Airline Consolidation
Rosa described the African Single Market for Air Transport as a decisive “giant leap” for the continent’s airlines. He noted that open skies policies will not only expand intra-African mobility but also attract large global carriers into African markets. This reality, he emphasised, increases the urgency of strengthening the continent’s aviation infrastructure and requires African airlines to prepare for intensified competition.
To compete effectively, he argued, African airlines must become more robust through deeper collaboration. This includes cooperation agreements, joint ventures, mergers and codeshare arrangements that allow carriers to consolidate their position and operate at a scale capable of meeting the challenge posed by international competitors entering the African market.
Infrastructure, Connectivity and Trust
Rosa acknowledged that Africa has made progress in improving connectivity, but that significant work remains. Existing infrastructure, as well as the new facilities under development, will need sustained investment. Central to unlocking this investment, he said, is the issue of trust.
He noted that the summit had repeatedly highlighted the need for confidence among stakeholders, institutions and potential financiers. Securing funding for infrastructure is “difficult”, and African operators must work harder to demonstrate credible projects, articulate their growth ambitions and show that the sector is ready for transformation.
Transforming African Airlines: Fleets, Infrastructure and Skills
Rosa stressed that transformation strategies for African aviation must be multifaceted. Beyond consolidation and partnerships, he highlighted several priorities: renewal of ageing fleets, improvement of aviation infrastructure, expansion of digitalisation and ongoing investment in human capital. He described these as continuous tasks facing every airline on the continent.
Within Angola, he noted that TAAG is implementing its own transformation plan. With the advantage of operating from the country’s new airport, the airline is pursuing modernisation initiatives, expanding its network and strengthening its operational capabilities.
Expanding Networks and Building Partnerships
TAAG’s objective, he said, is clear: to grow, to occupy its space within the continent, and to enhance Angola’s global connectivity. The airline has been opening new routes and positioning itself as a bridge between Angola and the world. Rosa highlighted the importance of dialogue with other airlines, sharing experiences and collectively strengthening Africa’s aviation industry.
Expected Progress Ahead of the Next Summit
Looking forward, Rosa identified what he hopes to see by the time of the next summit. These include:
- A measurable increase in the number of passengers travelling within Africa.
- More countries completing aviation infrastructure projects, particularly airports.
- Greater participation from financial institutions supporting aviation initiatives, backed by evidence of tangible commitments.
For Rosa, such progress would demonstrate that the continent has reached a new level of development and maturity in its aviation sector.
