Govt. moots plan to establish South Sudan Airways, expand Juba International Airport
The strategic plan is considered one of the most prominent projects aimed at developing the air transport sector in the country
By Correspondent
The South Sudan government announced a strategic plan to establish South Sudan Airways and modernize and expand Juba International Airport, in cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines. This move aims to develop the aviation sector and strengthen the country’s transportation infrastructure.
The announcement followed a meeting of the Infrastructure Cluster-allied Ministries and agencies, chaired by Vice President Taban Deng Gai. The meeting discussed and approved policies and plans presented by Minister of Transport Rizik Zachariah Hassan concerning the reform and development of the transportation sector.
The proposed plans included a national transportation sector policy framework, an action plan for establishing South Sudan Airways, and a project to expand and modernize Juba International Airport to accommodate the anticipated growth in air travel.
In this context, Minister of Roads and Bridges Peter Lam Both issued directives to officials in the Ministry of Transport to begin engaging Ethiopian Airlines to ensure project success.
The strategic plan to establish a national airline called South Sudan Airways, along with a project to modernize and expand Juba International Airport in cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines is considered one of the most prominent projects aimed at developing the air transport sector and strengthening the country’s economic infrastructure.
Both instructed officials at the Ministry of Transport to initiate the necessary technical and legal procedures to conclude agreements with airlines and technical partners. This will pave the way for the project’s implementation in phases, encompassing the development of the airport’s infrastructure and the enhancement of the civil aviation sector’s capabilities.
The Infrastructure Cluster also approved the Juba International Airport development plan, which includes extending the runway to approximately 4,000 meters. This will enable the airport to accommodate large aircraft and long-haul international flights, such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, thereby strengthening its capacity to handle regional and international air traffic and positioning it as a major air transport hub in the region.
Negotiations with Ethiopian Airlines regards the mechanisms for establishing South Sudan Airways. This includes the transfer of technical, operational, and training expertise, and leveraging the experience of Ethiopian Airlines, one of the leading airlines in Africa.
A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed between the Ministry of Transport and Ethiopian Airlines to develop the partnership and transform Juba International Airport into a regional aviation hub serving passenger and cargo traffic in East and Central Africa.
Observers believe the project holds significant economic and strategic importance for South Sudan. It is expected to contribute to supporting the national economy in several ways, most notably by improving air connectivity with regional and international capitals. This will facilitate the movement of businesspeople and investors and encourage foreign investment in the country.
Furthermore, developing the airport and establishing a national airline will help revitalize trade and air freight, a crucial factor for a country heavily reliant on imports. Improving aviation infrastructure can reduce transportation costs and expedite the delivery of goods and services.
The project is also expected to create new job opportunities in aviation, ground services, maintenance, transportation, tourism, and logistics, in addition to stimulating aviation-related sectors such as hotels, tourism, trade, and services.
Economic experts believe that transforming Juba into a regional aviation hub could give South Sudan a strategic position in the East African air transport network, especially given the country’s geographical location connecting the region.
According to initial estimates, developing the aviation sector could contribute to diversifying national income sources and reducing dependence on oil by revitalizing the services, tourism, trade, and transportation sectors, thus enhancing long-term economic stability.
This step aligns with the government’s efforts to develop transportation infrastructure and connect the country to regional and international trade networks, aiming to transform the air transport sector into a key driver of economic growth and development in South Sudan in the coming years.
Utilities
Negotiations with Ethiopian Airlines regards the mechanisms for establishing South Sudan Airways.