The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has suspended SA Express’ Air Operator’s Certificate (AoC) as well as the airline’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) approvals.<\/p>\n
In addition, the SACAA has also suspended the Certificates of Airworthiness of nine of the 21 aircraft being operated by the airline.<\/p>\n
“This effectively means that as of today (Thursday, 24 May 2018, SA Express) can no longer continue to operate as an airline,” the SACAA said in a statement.<\/p>\n
To be able to operate, SA Express will have to reapply and be issued with relevant approvals, an air operating certificate, and an approval for the aircraft maintenance organisation, and certificates of airworthiness for the grounded aircraft.<\/p>\n
The decision to revoke the airline’s permits comes after the SACAA conducted an audit at the airline and its maintenance organisation in the past several days, which uncovered severe cases of non-compliance that pose serious safety risks.<\/p>\n
While the SACAA does not make the details of its audit findings public, it can, however, be revealed that there were 17 findings, of which five are categorised as Level 1 findings in civil aviation terms.<\/p>\n
A Level 1 category finding can be described as a “severe non-compliance or non-conformance that poses a very serious safety or security risk to the public and will necessitate the immediate exercising of the discretionary enforcement powers vested in the authorised persons, in the interests of safeguarding aviation safety or security”.<\/p>\n
The airline could not ensure that operational requirements, and most importantly, safety obligations are met at all times, the SACAA said. Therefore, the grounding of SA Express operations was
\ninevitable, because in simpler terms the safety management system of the airline was found to be deficient.<\/p>\n
“As the custodian of aviation safety and security in the country, the SACAA cannot turn a blind eye to any operation where there is overwhelming evidence that safety measures are compromised, because that automatically poses serious danger for the crew, passengers, and the public at large,” said Poppy Khoza, who leads the SACAA as director of Civil Aviation.<\/p>\n
SA Express said in a statement:<\/p>\n
SA Express confirms that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has suspended the airline\u2019s Air Operator\u2019s Certificate (AOC) as well as the certification for an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO). The SACAA finding relates, amongst others, to the safety management processes within the airline.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cPassenger safety remains our top priority and our 24-year safety record reflects this. We are therefore working closely with the SACAA to address the issues highlighted by them,\u2019\u2019 says Matsietsi Mokholo, Acting CEO of SA Express.<\/em><\/p>\n
The audit coincided with the introduction of a stabilisation programme at the airline, which has undergone significant leadership changes over the last twelve months. The next few days will see the SA Express leadership team, as well as Minister Pravin Gordhan\u2019s Intervention Team, share the stabilisation plans with the SACAA.<\/em><\/p>\n
SA Express will, in line with the airline\u2019s compensation policy, accommodate passengers on other airlines and refund tickets. The airline is working to ensure the least amount of inconvenience for all their customers.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cSA Express promises to aid our travelers as much as possible and to keep them up-to date with the latest information regarding their flight changes. Should customers experience any problems they can access the latest information on our website (www.flyexpress.aero) or visit the company\u2019s social media pages, all under the handle of @Flysaexpress.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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