Senegal

1) What have been your achievements in CAA and aviation in your country in 2022 ?

In general, let’s say that the year was positive in terms of achievements. Three aspects can be noted, for example, the signing of Air Service Agreements, the certification of airports and airport security personnel.

Several bilateral air services agreements were signed during the year 2022. We can note for example the signature between Senegal and Egypt on the sidelines of the 34th Plenary Session of the African Civil Aviation Commission, which was held on July 14 and 15, 2022 in Saly, Senegal. This continued at the end of the year at the 14th edition of the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Conference (ICAN2022) hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from December 5 to 9, 2022. Senegal through ANACIM was able to meet a record number of 17 countries from Africa, Europe and Asia with whom we have signed memorandums of understanding or initialed agreements. The signing of a memorandum of understanding with Luxembourg has made it possible to switch between Senegal and this country from charter flights to scheduled flights. Projects are underway, such as with Venezuela, which wants to reconnect more with Africa.

For the certification of airport security personnel, ANACIM acquired the LOGYX-type radioscopic image simulator for the certification of radioscopic imaging operators. A tool acquired as part of the partnership with the Regional Security Assistance Unit for Civil Aviation (CRASAC) based at the French Embassy in Senegal.

Two major projects were launched in 2022. These are the renewal of the Blaise Diagne Dakar-Diass International Airport Certificate and the implementation of the certification process for Cap Skirring International Airport. In this regard, we have finalized the re-certification of the AIBD international airport. For that of Cap Skirring, a tourist-oriented airport, we are in the finalization phase of the process with a view to issuing the certificate to the aerodrome manager.

In addition, we have made great progress in the implementation of the National Safety Program (PNS) and are in discussions with IATA with a view to the recognition of IOSA certification by IATA.

In general, we are in the process of strengthening our safety and security oversight capacities in accordance with ICAO provisions.

2) What are your challenges and how can AFCAC assist you?

ANACIM and AFCAC have a beautiful and stable cooperation. That was also the purpose of the first meeting I had with the Secretary-General following her election at the head of the Commission. I talked to Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi about furthering and reviving the partnership between ANACIM and AFCAC around programmes and projects such as the Centre of Excellence for continuous capacity building of African civil aviation executives. I must say that the training of personnel will guarantee the success of our policies in the field of civil aviation. This is the path to a safe African civil aviation industry. At this level, we count on AFCAC for the continuous strengthening of the capacity of staff who must adapt dynamically to the evolution of the sector.

3) Your commitment to SAATM: how are you going to proceed with the implementation?

The implementation of the SAATM will promote the development of air transport in Africa and contribute to the democratization of this means of transport through reduced airfares, increased trade and jobs creation; the benefits from implementing SAATM are well established. To facilitate its implementation, it is essential that all national actors at all levels to be sensitized on the implementation modalities, especially on competition regulations and the need to improve the competitiveness and quality of service by providers (airports, airlines, ground handling companies etc.).

Furthermore, it will be necessary to facilitate cooperation among African airlines to ensure they are more in line with a dynamic to build complementarity and meet the demand. Change management must also be taken into account by decision-makers under this project.

4) What can you say about SAATM PIP?

Through the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM), Senegal is committed and always works towards the effectiveness of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) project which is an extension to the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision for which our country has a highly satisfactory compliance rate. Hence my satisfaction to have been part of the official launch of the Single African Air Transport Market Implementation Pilot Project (SAATM PIP) during the 23rd Yamoussoukro Decision Day in November 2022 in Dakar.

Senegal looks forward to opening African skies with the signing of air service agreements but also strengthening cooperation with other civil aviation authorities on the Continent.

SAATM implementation is known to be beneficial to the African air transport sector or simply to the African economy. While it is not easy to get rid of protectionist measures for our respective airlines overnight, the clear resolve by leaders of the Continent and the launch of the Pilot Project by 18 States can result in an effective implementation of the Single Air Transport Market African (SAATM). Let us say there is room for hope for the fulfillment of this African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Flagship project.