The Economic Community Of West
African States (ECOWAS) Commission has pledged its renewed
commitment towards encouraging collaborative efforts among West
African airlines, stating that they are presently too small to
compete favourably in the global aviation market. "We need to
define a bold vision of cooperation and integration of West African
airlines in order to make them survive and prosper in the coming
years," says the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency
James Victor Gbeho.
Mr. Gbeho, who spoke at the
'Consultative Meeting On A Viable Airline Industry In West Africa,'
in Abuja, Nigeria, recently, states that the ECOWAS Vision 2020 for
the air transport sector is to develop a sound and seamless
regional air transport system with safe, reliable, efficient and
affordable air services, well connected within West Africa and
integrated with the global network. This, he says, is in compliance
with the rules and regulations of the Yamoussoukro Decision for the
liberalization of air transport markets in Africa.
He calls for the formation of a
strong regional carrier, adding that the ECOWAS Commission would
collaborate with public and private stakeholders.