Three airlines to re-apply for operation certificates in Uganda
Saturday June 21 2014
Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority withdrew Air Operator Certificates for international operations for Air Uganda, Uganda Air Cargo and Transafrik Uganda Ltd after a review of its systems, structures and operations, conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Photo/FILE
Three airlines last week suspended their operations in Uganda after the aviation authority withdrew their licences, pending a new recertification process.
Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority withdrew Air Operator Certificates for international operations for Air Uganda, Uganda Air Cargo and Transafrik Uganda Ltd after a review of its systems, structures and operations, conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Ignie Igunduura, public affairs manager at the CAA, said the suspended airlines were now expected to re-submit information in areas of safety, and the actions they would take to meet the requirements.
On Thursday, June 19, Air Uganda’s chief executive officer Cornwell Muleya wrote to the airline’s customers informing them about the development, and pledging to resolve the matter in the shortest time possible.
“The AOC (Air Operator Certificate) is a document that allows airlines to mount flights and, without it, airlines cannot operate their air services. That is why we have been unable to operate flights since 17th of June when the notice was received. Air Uganda is working closely with the CAA to complete the processes required to resolve the matter in the shortest possible period,” Mr Muleya said.
“Options are currently available for customers with the existing bookings made on or after June 17, 2014 to arrange for alternate flights to their destination or to get refund,” he added.
The grounding of Air Uganda aircraft is likely to impact on its target passenger numbers, which has been growing at a 20 per cent per year. In 2012, Air Uganda carried 155,000 passengers, representing a 13 per cent share in a market of 15 scheduled airlines.
The EastAfrican was unable to reach officials at Uganda Air Cargo and Transafrik Uganda Ltd for comment.
Started in 1984 and registered in the Republic of Sao Tome Principe, Transafrik, is said to operate worldwide cargo services for commercial and humanitarian services, with offices in Entebbe, Uganda, Luanda, Angola and an administration unit in Kempton Park, South Africa.