Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - While CemAir’s flights remain grounded after the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) found that the carrier’s aircraft had allegedly been serviced and cleared as airworthy by personnel who are unqualified to do so, the carrier has defended its integrity.
The aviation authority temporarily withdrew the Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) privileges for 12 of the carrier’s planes on 2 February, due to these discrepancies.
This has affected all its domestic flights, including the regular flights between Plettenberg Bay and various major centres across the country.
“My wife and children fly regularly on Cemair, as do I,” said CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen.
"I am privileged to lead a team of 260 of the most inspiring and motivated aviation professionals in South Africa.
"These are not people who cut corners or look to abdicate responsibility.
"These are people of substance and integrity.”
He added that CemAir is an International Air Transport Association-approved airline operating from Africa’s most controlled airport environment.
“Our company has invested millions in the safety of our aircraft and the quality of our systems."
Van der Molen said the team has been "working hard" to expedite the restoration of its normal scheduled flights.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers, our people and our aircraft is our top priority. For this reason, we are working closely with SACAA to address its concerns.”
As a first step, Van der Molen said, they have initiated a thorough and comprehensive assessment and verification of internal processes and procedures at their aircraft maintenance division.
“The scope of this exercise includes personnel training, licensing and powers of authority to release aircraft and components into service. In parallel, we have provided SACAA with full and comprehensive documentation packs relating to the history and status of each of our 12 SA-registered aircraft.
"We have also cooperated fully with SACAA’s additional audit inspections.”
He further said that while they would like to see scheduled services resumed, they have to ensure there are no questions concerning the integrity of CemAir’s safety.
“For this reason we have requested SACAA’s feedback, guidance and recommendations arising from its inspections, together with a defined timeline, against which it will verify our compliance and lift the restrictions currently in place.”
Van der Molen said CemAir’s technical personnel all hold valid licences or company authorisation, as required by the regulator.
“Our aircraft maintenance engineers undergo TETA-accredited training courses provided by Denel and other SACAA-approved training organisations.”
CemAir’s safety compliance has also been recognised by the International Air Transport Association, which requires all of its members to pass its comprehensive and globally benchmarked biennial operational safety audit (IOSA).
CemAir renewed its IOSA accreditation last September and is on the IOSA register of approved airlines.
Read a previous article: CemAir grounded for now
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