South African airline Comair plane is grounded indefinitely

This move has affected the company low cost airline of South Africa Kulula and British Airways, stranding hundreds of passengers.

Spokesperson for Aviation Authority South African civil (SACAA) said, SACAA has indefinitely extended Comair’s suspension of operator certification for 24 hours.

The SACAA said the suspension would end on March 13, but Comair did not fully address all the necessary safety issues.

“This morning, we informed them (Comair) that their airline operator certification is currently suspended indefinitely until the airline addresses all identified safety issues.“, SACAA spokesman Phindiwe Gwebu told Reuters.

A Comair representative said it could not confirm when it would begin flying again after working all night to provide documents to SACAA, reviewing the policies, systems and procedures required.

Glenn Orsmond, CEO of Comair said: “This is a huge blow to customers, employees and passengers as the airline accounts for 40% of capacity in this market“.

Passengers at Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Reuters)

There will be significant implications for the sector, he added national airline if the suspension is extended.

Airports Company SA (ACSA), which operates South Africa’s largest airports, said some stranded passengers had been put on charter flights arranged by BA and Comair, specifically for those flying. the Johannesburg and Cape Town lines. Priority is also given to passengers with international connecting flights, said Terence Delomoney, ACSA’s Chief Operating Officer.

In February 2022, Comair experienced flight safety issues ranging from “engine failure, engine failure, and landing gear malfunction” among others.

During its investigations, SACAA said it discovered three issues that were considered “level 1” and “posed an immediate risk” and must be addressed immediately.

A notice on Kulula’s website shows that Comair has set a goal of resuming its schedule by 24:00 on March 13, subject to SACAA approval.

Comair said:We will do everything we can to accommodate passengers affected by flight disruptions, prioritizing vulnerable customers and those who need to fly urgently.“, customers will also be notified via text message.