Ethiopia, South Sudan ink air transport service agreement

Addis Ababa, June 20, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia and Sudan signed today a bilateral air transport service agreement to replace the existing temporary service between the two countries with a permanent and comprehensive air transport service, the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) said.

The agreement is based on the provisions of the Yamusukuru decision, a treaty adopted by most members of the African Union (AU) which establishes a framework for the liberalization of air transport services between African countries, as well as fair competition between airlines.

It is understood that the agreement signed between the two countries lays the foundation for conducting the air transport service in conformance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and principles, which enabled the temporary services to have a legal framework.

It is said that the signing of the agreement between the countries is of great importance in view of Ethiopian Airlines’ greater share in the African market, its preference and its ability to connect Africa with the rest of the world.

It is also known that Ethiopian Airlines has regular flights to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, twice a day.

In addition, the civil aviation authority offices of the two countries have agreed to work together on various issues. It is stated that both sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on Search and Rescue services.

The agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Getachew Mengste, and his counterpart from South Sudan Captain Subek David Dada. Senior officials of South Sudan Civil Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority were present at the signing ceremony, as per ECAA.