Comair is unable to confirm when it will start flying again after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has indefinitely suspended its operating licence ‘until such time as the SACAA has had time to review and satisfy themselves that the items are closed’.
The airline said in a statement it was ‘working through the night to provide documentation the SACAA had requested following a review of certain policies, systems and procedures.’
Comair was advised of a 24-hours suspension to its licence on the morning of 12 March. The suspension follows an investigation into the ‘recent spate of safety incidents at the Operator’.
Simon Segwabe, Executive: Aviation Safety Operations at SACAA told Getaway that there was a ‘Level 1 finding’. According to a 2019 statement by the SACAA, a Level 1 finding ‘can be described as a severe non-compliance that poses a serious safety risk and requires the licence-holder to adequately address the findings and failure which necessitates immediate enforcement action by the regulator’.
Glenn Orsmond, Comair CEO said: ‘We have since received an acknowledgement that the information has been received, but no other formal communication has been received to date. In the interim, the CAA has issued a press release saying it will be reviewing and assessing the documents provided.’
Comair snapped back at the SACAA, saying that there is ‘no justification for the suspension.’
‘This is a huge blow to our customers, employees and the flying public as it effectively takes 40% of the capacity out of the market. The implications for the aviation sector and the country are considerable should the suspension continue for any length of time.’
Comair said it is assisting passengers who have been stranded. ‘We have chartered two aircraft to assist vulnerable passengers and those who most urgently need to travel.’ Customers will be kept informed via SMS.
For customers on British Airways (operated by Comair) flights, British Airways’ booking with confidence policy will apply. Details can be found here. Customers may also contact the Contact Centre on [email protected].
kulula.com customers can rebook with no change penalties, subject to availability of the same fare class. Customers wishing to rebook should e-mail [email protected].
Picture: Getaway gallery
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