Figures from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) suggest that fuel contributes an average of 70 to 80 per cent of operational costs for African airlines, against a global average of 40 to 50 per cent. AFRAA explains this disparity on the high taxes levied on fuel by African government.
AFRAA’s secretary general, Elijah Chingosho, said that some African stations charge as much as $5 (Sh510) per gallon of jet fuel compared to average international charges of $1.45 (Sh148) per gallon.
Dr Chingosho is urging African governments to lower these charges if their airlines are to remain relevant.
“African governments must be awake to the fact that subsidised Gulf, European and, lately, Chinese airlines are taking advantage of the high costs by flying more into the African continent and dominating the market through cheaper fares,” he said.