Ethiopia, Congo Republic Sign Air Service Agreement

Addis Ababa April 26/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo have inked air transport agreement today.

The accord was signed by Ethiopian Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime and the Republic of Congo Transport, Civil Aviation, and Merchant Navy Minister Honoré Sayi at a ceremony held in Addis Ababa.

During the occasion, Alemu hailed the agreement as a testament to the nations shared vision, building upon previous accords and aligning with the Yamoussoukro Decision initiated by the African Union which permits African airlines to operate freely across the continent's airspace.

 

He pointed out that the pact imposes no restrictions on flight frequency, destinations, traffic rights, or aircraft types, among other factors. 

"This ground-breaking development is poised to significantly bolster economic, diplomatic, and social bonds between the two countries," the minster added.

According to him, the comprehensive framework is expected to yield myriad benefits and contribute to the growth of both nations burgeoning aviation sectors.

Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates seven weekly flights to the Republic of Congo. With the completion of this agreement, the flag carrier can expand its routes and augment traffic to the cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, thereby expanding the scope of services and creating lucrative market opportunities for African airlines in the continental air market.

Alemu expressed his conviction that increasing the share of African airlines in the African air market is vital for the continent; hence, assuring that Ethiopia remains committed to providing unwavering support to strengthen airlines across Africa, including in the Republic of Congo.

In his remarks, Honoré Sayi lauded the bilateral agreement as a momentous stride in the relationship between Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo. 

 

He acknowledged the pact's pivotal role in reinforcing bilateral ties and underscored the importance of leveraging Ethiopian Airlines expertise and experience, hailing it as the pride of the African continent.

Sayi emphasized the agreement's reflection of the shared determination of both governments to transform the civil aviation sector within the dynamic global aeronautics landscape and the African continent. 

The minister exuded confidence that the pact would pave the way for significant advancements and urged both parties to collaborate closely to materialize the commitments outlined therein.