The development of African air transport

Abstract

This chapter covers five main periods in the development of aviation in Africa, the political history of which determined much of the direction in which aviation developed on this vast continent, both from an international and regional perspective. It begins with the colonial period that, amidst the empire-building ambitions of the colonial powers, served to provide Africa with the fundamental tools of an aviation system. The second period, commencing after World War II, marked a turning point in civil aviation in Africa. The third period saw the attainment of independence where African states established their own national carriers and divested themselves from their colonial masters. The fourth period ushered in the beginnings of the deregulation and liberalisation efforts to lift the restrictive air service agreements under which the airlines were operating and to provide an environment of cooperation within Africa. Finally, the current aviation landscape in Africa is beset with numerous challenges that impede further development in African aviation.