SA Express gets its wings back
The domestic airline has confirmed that it will take to the skies again after their aircraft were earlier grounded due to safety concerns.
The countdown until SA Express can start commuting passengers in the air has begun.
The embattled airline has confirmed that the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has reinstated the certificates of airworthiness of eleven of their aircraft.
It is expected to return to the skies next week Thursday.
“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,” says CEO Siza Mzimela.
In May, the SACAA suspended its Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) approvals and airworthiness certificates on nine of its 21 planes due to safety fears.
The cash-strapped airline says passengers are already able to book flights.
Mzimela says they will not only focus on getting their planes back up and flying but also “come back stronger, more focused and energised”.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordan told members of Parliament on Wedneday that the airline still faces liquidity challenges.
Government has given the company a R1.74 billion guarantee to keep it from going under.
“In this regard, we are determined going forward to set new industry standards for safety, product quality and customer service,” says Mzimela.