Comair to remain grounded, rules CAA
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) announced on Sunday that Comair’s operator's licence has been suspended until they address all the findings given to them.
This follows the initial 24-hour precautionary suspension on Saturday grounding flights from Kulula and British Airways across the country due to a series of midair emergencies.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Civil Aviation Authority says they gave Comair until midday to meet certain requirements which they have failed to do so.
“The suspension follows the visit by the SACAA to the Operator to investigate and determine the cause of a spate of occurrences affecting a concerning number of flights operated by Kulula.com and BA Comair.”
“The SACAA sought to confirm Comair’s compliance with applicable Civil Aviation Regulations. The inspection was also aimed at reviewing Comair’s quality control management system and safety management systems to establish compliance related to reporting, analysis and follow-up on occurrences, and corrective action plans to prevent a recurrence.”
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The inspections resulted in the regulator raising three level 1 findings, which pose an immediate risk to safety and security, meaning Comair must be closed with immediate effect and a level 2 finding which forces the company to close within seven days.
“The inspectorate team worked through the night to review the evidence received and as at 06:30am on the morning of 13 March 2022 the Regulator accepted the corrective action and evidence submitted in respect of one Level 1 finding. This therefore means this finding is now closed. “
The Civil Aviation Authority added that Comair can appeal the decision of the suspension.
