African business aviation is pressing for easier cross-border operations as the African Business Aviation Association works to reduce permit, regulatory and charging obstacles across the continent. Meeting in Nairobi for the Aviation Africa summit and exhibition this week, the association is focusing on overflight and landing permissions, more consistent rules across African Union states and lower, standardised air traffic control charges.
AfBAA chairperson Dawit Lemma described permit reform as the easiest area for progress, while wider liberalisation continues under the Single African Air Transport Market. Only 33 of the 55 African Union governments have ratified the framework so far, slowing implementation and leaving operators to navigate a fragmented environment. In some cases, aircraft are still sent as far as Dubai for routine technical support because maintenance and service infrastructure remains thin in parts of Africa.
The association expects demand to strengthen over the next two to three years across corporate jets, helicopters, turboprops and advanced air mobility aircraft, helped by economic expansion, inward investment and a growing middle class. AfBAA is also seeking more tangible progress by 2028 as regional coordination develops through the African Civil Aviation Commission, the African Airlines Association and the African Union-led SAATM agenda.