Luanda: The Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Salvatore Sciacchitano, has commended the Angolan government's policies on aligning with international standards and advancing infrastructure in the transportation sector. His remarks came during his visit to Luanda, where he met with President Joo Louren§o to discuss ongoing developments.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Sciacchitano highlighted the construction of the new Dr. Ant³nio Agostinho Neto International Airport in the province of Icolo e Bengo as a significant milestone. The airport, which is soon to be fully operational, is expected to be a catalyst for enhancing tourism and business activities in the region.
The ICAO Chairman also engaged in discussions with the Angolan Head of State about the collaboration with ICAO, which is aiding the operationalization of the new airport. This dialogue underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing Angola's aviation infrastructure.
Sciacchitano further noted Africa's promising prospects in the air transportation sector. The continent's development is anticipated to advance through the establishment of new routes within Africa and the expansion of air connectivity with international destinations.
He emphasized the Common African Air Transport Market, an initiative approved by the African Union, which aims to liberalize the market. This liberalization is expected to enhance airline access to numerous countries, exemplified by the new Dr. Jose Luis Afonso Bianco International Airport.
The new airport, with a capacity to handle approximately 15 million passengers annually, presents a substantial growth opportunity for the aviation sector. This growth will necessitate an increase in the number of operating companies, aligning with the infrastructure needs highlighted by Sciacchitano.
ICAO's projections suggest that the African air transport market will grow at a rate surpassing the global average over the next 25 years, supporting the realization of strategic objectives set by the African Union.
