African airlines take advantage of open sky treaty

The Open Skies Treaty, also known as the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), is a treaty between two countries that allows airlines from each country to operate flights between the two countries without restrictions. The treaty was signed in 1944 and has been ratified by over 130 countries, including many African nations.

African airlines have indeed taken advantage of the Open Skies Treaty to expand their operations and increase their market share. Here are some ways in which African airlines have benefited from the treaty:

1. Increased route network: With the Open Skies Treaty, African airlines have been able to operate flights to new destinations, both within Africa and internationally. This has enabled them to expand their route network and offer more options to passengers.
2. More frequencies: The treaty has allowed African airlines to increase the frequency of their flights, making it easier for passengers to travel between destinations.
3. Competition: The Open Skies Treaty has introduced competition in the African aviation market, which has led to lower fares, better services, and increased efficiency.
4. Code-sharing: The treaty has enabled African airlines to code-share with international carriers, allowing them to offer more routes and services to passengers.
5. Increased connectivity: The Open Skies Treaty has improved connectivity between African cities and the rest of the world, making it easier for passengers to travel to and from Africa.

Some examples of African airlines that have taken advantage of the Open Skies Treaty include:

1. Ethiopian Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines has used the Open Skies Treaty to expand its operations in Africa and internationally. It has codeshare agreements with several international carriers, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates.
2. South African Airways: South African Airways has used the Open Skies Treaty to increase its route network and frequencies. It has codeshare agreements with several international carriers, including British Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
3. Kenya Airways: Kenya Airways has used the Open Skies Treaty to expand its operations in Africa and internationally. It has codeshare agreements with several international carriers, including KLM, Air France, and Delta Air Lines.
4. EgyptAir: EgyptAir has used the Open Skies Treaty to increase its route network and frequencies. It has codeshare agreements with several international carriers, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates.

Overall, the Open Skies Treaty has been beneficial for African airlines, enabling them to expand their operations, increase their market share, and improve connectivity between African cities and the rest of the world.