The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is continuing its efforts to improve aviation safety and reduce the cost of air travel in the region to facilitate the free movement of people and goods.
A three-day workshop, held in Lagos from 4-6 September, brought together experts to validate a draft Aviation Safety Regulation (AVSEC) and finalise proposals to harmonise operational standards and procedures across ECOWAS Member States.
It brought together aviation safety specialists, representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Banjul Agreement Group (BAGASOO) and certified auditors.
This initiative is part of a wider project to improve air transport in West and Central Africa. The experts worked to align the new regional regulations with the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The security framework aims to protect passengers, crew and ground staff from unlawful acts, including the use of weapons and explosives. At the same time, they developed an action plan to establish a regional pool of AVSEC experts to ensure uniform application of security measures throughout the region. A step towards reducing the cost of air travel.
The Acting Director of Transport for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Chris Appiah, underlined the importance of this harmonisation in improving aviation safety and called for the rapid adoption of the new regulations. He also raised the issue of the high cost of air tickets in the region, pointing to excessive taxes and charges.
The sub-regional organisation said it was working with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to develop a strategy to make air travel more affordable.
It also says it plans to establish a regional aircraft maintenance centre, which will allow airlines to reduce maintenance costs that are traditionally carried out abroad. This is in addition to a master plan to improve infrastructure and services at regional airports.
Looking ahead
The conclusions of this workshop will be presented at a ministerial meeting in November 2024, before final adoption by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in December.
If approved, ECOWAS hopes that these reforms will mark a decisive step forward in the safety and efficiency of air transport in West Africa and contribute to greater regional integration.
This initiative is part of a broader vision for safe, sustainable and affordable air transport, in line with ICAO’s ambitions for the continent as a whole.
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