In a paper titled ‘‘Maximising the Economic Return of Libya’s Airspace’’, presented at the Libya International Aviation Forum and Exhibition, held in Tripoli from 3-4 November, Mohamed Issa, said Libya needs to maximise it geographical position by maximising its economic returns on this advantage.
Issa, a former General Manager of the state flag carrier, Libyan Airlines, said the recent lifting of overflight restrictions by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) must be celebrated but it must not be confused with the lifting of the EU flight embargo on Libya. That embargo is still in place.
He said Libya can earn increased revenues because of its strategic location, the Iran war, the increased cost of aviation fuel and increased flights and cargo flights.
However, to take advantage of this Libya needs to invest in its aviation infrastructure and HR development. Specifically, it needs to improve and upgrade its safety protocols and aviation management.
He said Libya needs to rebuild its aviation system and that efficient aviation management and the return of trust by the international aviation community are key to maximising our revenues from overflights. Location, safety, trust, and efficient management are all key, he reiterated.
Need to review its overflight fees
To this end, Issa said Libya needs to review its overflight fees. He said it must choose a strategic balance between a flat rate or a rate based on other variables (distance / weight of aircraft).
Libya also must balance between charging high rates, which may attract less flyovers, or relatively lower fees which might attract more flyovers. Libya adopt a sustainable system to attract carriers to fly over its territory but must also give carriers realistic value for money.
Asked by Libya Herald in the question-and-answer session how much he predicted Libya could make out of flyover fees; Issa estimated about US$ 70 to 80 million per annum.
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