Once completely in force, the single market is supposed to allow significant freedom of air transport in Africa, advancing the AU's Agenda 2063.

[2] This deadline was later extended with plans to launch the single market during the 30th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

[8] There, the launch of the SAATM was then made official on 28 January 2018 by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as new Chairperson of the Africa Union.

[14] The African Development Bank, among other analysts, predicted that the SAATM would lead to cheaper flights, greater passenger volumes and economic benefits.

[3][15] The International Air Transport Association commended the African Union for launching the single market, but warned that more work would be required to effectively implement the policy.