Implementing Open Skies still a long way off

Kenya Airways planes are seen parked during a pilots strike organised by Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, on April 28, 2016. PHOTO | REUTERS

Kenya Airways says the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which was signed early this year, will take longer to implement as airlines need more time to prepare for the lengthy operational and regulatory changes involved.

KQ chief operating officer Jan De Vegt said the implementation of the open skies agreement should not be rushed as airlines need to adjust to changes brought in by the agreement.