ExecuJet Africa has celebrated its prestigious status as operator of the first ever jet to land at St Helena Airport (HLE) in the South Atlantic Ocean.
The ceremonious flight, which arrived on Sunday 10 April 2016, was part of the airport’s certification process, with ExecuJet Africa flying the regulating personnel from the aircraft’s base in Johannesburg to St Helena on one of ExecuJet’s Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft.
A team of five Air Safety Support International (ASSI) representatives were among those who conducted an on-site audit of St Helena Airport, led by Justin Rothwell, senior aerodrome inspector. The Bombardier jet also carried out several audit flights during the visit to ensure the smooth and safe running of Air Traffic Control and various other safety aspects at the airport.
Dries Human, security and assistant safety officer, ExecuJet Africa said:
“We are delighted to be an integral part of the certification process at St Helena Airport, making aviation history as the first ever jet to land at the airport.
“The flight was the culmination of six weeks of meticulous planning and coordination between Basil Read, the construction company, Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg, the UK regulating bodies and St Helena’s Governor’s office to ensure everything was in place for the five-day audit event.
“Lanseria Airport, which is ExecuJet’s South African base, will continue its partnership with St Helena Airport for a further 10 years, managing St Helena’s airport operations and air space, as well as providing reliable air services to the island. This is part of the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining access to St Helena and increasing tourism.”
ExecuJet’s Challenger 300 will depart St Helena on Friday 15 April 2016 at approximately 08:30 hours, with the ASSI team returning to the UK prior to issuing its formal response regarding certification of St Helena Airport.