SA Express (SAX) on Thursday confirmed that it will resume flights next Thursday after being grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
This follows the recent reinstatement of both the airline’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) licences by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
SAX has also already received Certificates of Airworthiness for most of its 11 aircraft from SACAA, with the remaining fleet expected to be given the green light soon.
“We are delighted that we have now satisfied the concerns that the regulator had leading to our temporary grounding at the end of May this year. This has paved the way for us to prudently and incrementally reintroduce our flights as from August 23, 2018,” said the airline’s interim Chief Executive Officer Siza Mzimela.
In May, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced the suspension of SA Express’s air operator’s certificate and the certificates of airworthiness (CoA) of nine of the 21 aircraft being operated by the airline.
The CAA reinstated its Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification on 22 June 2018. Subsequently in July, SA Express announced that it was readying itself for take-off.
The airline thanked all its customers and staff while it was addressing the authority’s operational requirements.
“Indeed, our temporary grounding was an opportune time for the airline to interrogate all aspects of our operation, as well as our customer value proposition. It’s all systems go now and we are coming back stronger, more focused and energised.
“In this regard, we are determined going forward to set new industry standards for safety, product quality and customer service,” said Mzimela.
Briefing Parliament on Wednesday, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said SA Express would return to the skies in the new week.
The news was welcomed by the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises.
“This is exciting news, specifically in light of the comment made by the Minister that certain individuals have given their expertise, either personally or through the industry, to assist in ensuring that SA Express is given its flying licence again,” said Committee Chairperson Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe.
Meanwhile, SA Express passengers will be immediately able to book flights on www.flyexpress.aero for travel. – SAnews.gov.za
