Eye Radio reports that the agreement was reached during a meeting between the South Sudan Minister of Transport, Madut Biar, and Ethiopian Ambassador Nabil Mahdi in Juba. Both countries revisited the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the meeting, outlining the terms of the partnership.
The Ethiopian Ambassador, Nabil Mahdi confirmed that the embassy will collaborate with the South Sudanese government to implement the partnership agreement both countries signed in 2023. This partnership is based on the Yamoussoukro Decision, a treaty adopted by most African Union (AU) members that aims to liberalize air transport services across Africa and ensure fair competition among airlines.
Since its cessation from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has failed to acquire its national carrier due to the country’s political instability fueled by the brutal civil war. The country has since relied on the services of privately owned airlines for aviation transport in the country.
According to CH Aviation, the South Sudanese parliament in 2019, approved the proposed establishment of a new national carrier – The South Sudan Airways.
A tender process was organized in 2012 to pick a partner for the South Sudan carrier where AtlasGlobal (then Atlasjet Airlines) was selected. The group later pulled out of the deal in early 2013.
Ethiopian Airlines later in 2014, also indicated interest in the project with a 49% stake in a new South Sudanese national carrier, only for the project to stall at the final stages.
This new collaboration will see personnel from Ethiopian aviation take over and manage South Sudan’s airspace, which is currently being transitioned from Sudan’s ownership.
The partnership is a significant step forward for South Sudan’s aviation sector and is expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
South Sudan’s transport Minister, Biar praised the partnership adding that the country will enjoy “significant” benefits from Ethiopia’s experience in airline management and operations.
“We discussed how South Sudan can benefit from Ethiopia Airline when South Sudan establishes its airline after South Sudan took over the management and control of its airspace from Sudan,”
“We will enter into a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines when we establish our airline for training and management, where we can benefit from this partnership.” He said.