South African Express confirmed that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has reinstated its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) following a temporary 42-hour suspension related to the airline’s quality assurance systems.
Following the suspension notice on Friday evening, and subsequent meetings between SA Express’ executive management team and SACAA, clarity was provided in terms of the audit related concerns and procedural issues that the airline needed to adhere to, which has now been accepted and agreed to.
“It is regrettable that discrepancies in the submission of procedural paperwork and submission processes between SA Express and SACAA did not correspond. Following extensive consultations and revised documentation as well as submission procedures, our operating license has been reinstated and we will resume our normal operating schedule by 19:00 this evening. We assure the general public that this matter has been substantially addressed and will never occur again,” says Inati Ntshanga, CEO of SA Express.
“I wish to reiterate that SA Express’ safety record is of the highest possible standards, which is one of the reasons we are South Africa’s leading regional airline. Since we first took to the skies 22 years ago, safety has always been our utmost priority and I can’t reiterate enough that the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is never negotiable.”
“We understand that because of procedural issues we have inadvertently let our passengers down. We have always been known for our reliability, our friendly service and our punctual departures and I assure you that my team and I will do everything possible to rebuild that service promise and to restore your faith and confidence in SA Express,” concludes Ntshanga.