A deadlock between Air Zimbabwe and South African Airways (SAA) has been resolved; this is according to Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi. This comes following a meeting with all aviation entities.
Maswanganyi said the meeting resolved that the airline should comply with the applicable legislation.
“Upon receipt of the relevant documentation, the Civil Aviation Authority will release the Air Zimbabwe aircraft. It can be confirmed that during the meeting, Air Zimbabwe did submit the required documents which are being assessed by [the SA Civil Aviation Authority] and if found to be in order, a recommendation will be made to the department to issue the [Foreign Operator’s Permit], said Joe Maswanganyi.
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South African civil aviation regulations
According to South African civil aviation regulations for a foreigner to conduct operations in South Africa, Foreign Operator’s Permit is must.
A copy of the permit, together with other documents, must be on-board an aircraft at all times. The relevant authorities inspects the documents on request by the .
However, both airlines failed to produce documentation. “The meeting implored SAA to move swiftly and work around the clock. Also SAA needs to comply with all Zimbabwean civil aviation regulations and prescribed ICAO international standards.
Nonetheless, the authorities has confirmed that the documentation is in order and they are in the process of issuing an FOP to SAA. A process which will then lead to the release of the restricted SAA aircraft.”
However, the SAA issue is a coincidence and had nothing to do with the restriction of the Air Zimbabwe aircraft. Sacaa issued the restriction to Air Zimbabwe aircraft. Maswanganyi apologized for the inconveniences caused to passengers of both carriers.
