Tanzania, Jan. 27 -- Arusha. Industry players have suggested how the prohibitive air fares in East Africa can be lowered.

These have to include total unification of air transport service or deliberate preference to local airlines registered rather than the international carriers.

A single air transport services agreement binding all seven East African Community (EAC) partner states is seen as a solution to the exorbitant costs and related challenges.

"It will lower the cost of air tickets for both passengers and cargo in the region," said the East African Business Council (EABC) executive director, John Bosco Kalisa.

He made the appeal on Wednesday during a validation webinar for the recently concluded study on air transport services ...