SA aviation sector remains among safest globally
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says South Africa aims to maintain the country’s excellent commercial aviation safety record.
This comes after the International Aviation Organisation placed South Africa at number one in Africa for its oversight safety system.
During the 2022/3 financial year, the sector recorded a decrease in the number of accidents, from 147 to 113.
Chikunga says the current administration's strategic target is to reduce accidents in the general aviation sector by 50%.
She briefed the media on the state of the aviation sector on Tuesday morning.
"As we head towards closing off this 2023/24 financial year, we have recorded 97 accidents to date.
"While we are projecting these numbers to marginally be lower than the previous reporting period, the number of fatal accidents has increased to 13, which is more than what we were in 2022/2023 financial year.
"To curb these accidents which happen in a non-scheduled private flying space, the SACAA has developed an implemented a general aviation safety strategy in consultation with the industry where we are employing reputable safety strategies to attain reduction in both accidents and fatalities.”
The country's aviation sector has been recognised as among the safest in the world.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation rated the country's oversight safety system at 91.11%, placing the country at number one in Africa and 18 globally, alongside Norway.
Chikunga said the country has held its continued 0% fatal accident rate in the commercial airlines sector for nearly four decades.
"The US Federal Aviation Administration recognised South Africa's safety oversight system as meeting IKYO safety standards and recommended practises and confirm that South Africa retains its category one status with the standards of the United States International Oversight Safety audit programme".
Meanwhile, the Airports Company of South Africa has earmarked R21.7 billion for airport infrastructure development.
"This investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficient improvements and statutory compliance measures with the aim to enhance asset availability, airport safety and passenger experience across our airports,” the minister said.
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