Minister of Transport & Public
Works, Republic of Benin, His Excellency Nicaise K. Fagnon, says
commitment is needed to attain the objectives of a Single African
Sky which African air navigation service providers (ANSPs) have
commenced a process of accomplishing.
At the 3rd AFI ANSPs Symposium in
Cotonou, Republic of Benin, recently, which had the objective of
accelerating the attainment of Single African Sky, the ANSPs came
up with the Cotonou Declaration which, among others, highlights
that ANSPs give highest priority to ICAO SARPs, eliminate
deficiencies and prioritize cooperation on regulation. The Cotonou
Declaration also emphasizes on the harmonization of regional
training among AFI ANSPs, as it also stresses the need for a
working group for ANSPs' training. These would ultimately enhance
the achievement of the Single African Sky programme.
The Minister says intensified
efforts are vital to achieving the Single African Sky objective, as
he emphasizes that "our skies must be safe." He enjoins ANSPs to
meet more frequently to ensure that prompt decisions are taken
towards the actualization of the Single Sky objective, adding that
African Ministers' support is important to achieving the ANSPs'
objectives.
Similarly, Mr. Ariside de Souza, DG
of Benin CAA, urges ANSPs in Africa to work together as he says "we
need secure Single African Skies." Mr. Meissa Ndiaye, Director of
Operations of ASECNA Headquarters in Dakar, says "we can't do
anything without collaboration," pointing out the importance of
achieving seamless and efficient ATM services in Africa. The next
meeting of AFI ANSPs is scheduled for 2012 in Algeria.