SACAA probing SAA vaccine flight delay in Brussels
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) says an
investigation is underway to look into the reported delay of an South
African Airlines flight in Brussels last month.
SAA was in the country to collect the of Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine.
SACAA spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba says the investigation was launched as soon as the organisation received the information.
"The South African Civil Aviation Authority wishes to firmly dismiss the peddled notion that seeks to suggest that the regulator intends to provide ongoing exemptions and provide SAA with 'special treatment' that goes against the set standards and regulated prescripts.
"Each request for exemption is evaluated on its own merits. The Brussels flight was a once-off exemption and was granted on the strength of its risk mitigation measures, which are aligned to South African civil aviation regulations and acceptable global standards.
"The South African Civil Aviation Authority has on numerous occasions made it clear that there are no regulations specifically set aside to deal with matters pertaining to SAA.
"There is no such. All operators are expected to comply with the same set of civil aviation regulations, that thus far has ensured that our country’s safety record in terms of commercial and airline operations remains untainted for more than 30 years.
"We will continue to do everything possible to maintain this remarkable record."
He adds SACAA is aware of an investigation taking place in Brussels.
"It is important to note that incidents that happen outside of the South African jurisdiction are handled by the respective countries where the incident has taken place.
"Our role in this regard would be to provide the necessary cooperation and assistance to our counterparts with their investigation.
"If indeed there is another investigation carried out by another authority, the operator is best positioned to provide the necessary clarity."
