Africa is the smallest of the 'regional' aviation markets but one that Boeing and others expect to expand over the medium term. Developments on the continent that require the creation of robust and efficient air transport include growth in tourism, the export of 'exotics', and the emergence of modern manufacturing and high-tech industries. Africa's regional aviation markets generally lack good airports and air traffic control, viable airlines, and adequately skilled labour. Airline safety is also a major concern.
Written by a 'Who's Who' of aviation specialists and policy makers, The Economics and Political Economy of African Air Transport fills an emerging void in the literature regarding Africa's aviation markets. Its original papers focus explicitly on the economic and political dimensions of the subject, although with relevance to the strategic planning and management of airlines and their associated infrastructure. Topics discussed include external and internal market efficiencies, air service liberalization, the emergence of new carriers, safety and security, low cost airline and other business models, and airport economics.
Focusing on the broader issues surrounding the subject, this book will be of interest to both the aviation community and those with an interest in economic and social development.
About the Author: Kenneth Button is a University Professor of Public Policy at the George Mason School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs, USA, and a world-renowned expert on transportation policy. He has published, or has in press, some 80 books and over 400 academic papers in the field of transport economics, transport planning, environmental analysis and industrial organization.
Gianmaria Martini is Professor of Economics at the University of Bergamo, Italy, and Head of the Department of Economics and Technology Management. His recent research focuses on methods to estimate technical and economic efficiency in the air transportation and healthcare sectors, published in international journals and presented at many international conferences.
Davide Scotti is a Research Fellow at the University of Bergamo, Italy, with a focus on technical efficiency and productivity studies regarding airport activities.
