Transport was top of the agenda as ministers from countries up and down the continent of Africa met in Senegal and agreed to a pilot programme under the Single African Air Transport Market, SAATM.

A recent study commissioned by the African Union indicated that the SAATM initiative would add $4.2billion to the continent’s GDP, generating around 600,000 new jobs and presenting an opportunity for African airlines to expand into different markets – opening up tourism from Europe to a number of countries.

There are currently a range of bilateral deals operating in Africa, DR Congo and Cote d’Ivoire the most recent countries to commit to such an agreement. However, an expanded programme incorporating more countries is the target under SAATM, with open air routes seen as key to developing travel in the continent.

South Africa is already a key player in the continental air travel market, and is opening up smaller airports and elevating them to continental standards, including Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, located south of the tourist hotspot of Kruger National Park. A recent development saw a flight from Frankfurt, operating via Namibia, landing there last month.