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The South African Civil Aviation (SACAA) confirmed on Sunday, 13 March that Comair’s Air Operator Certificate has now been suspended indefinitely.

The suspension follows SACAA’s visit to the operator to investigate and determine the cause of a spate of occurrences affecting a concerning number of flights operated by Kulula.com and British Airways.

According to a statement by SACAA, the inspection was also aimed at reviewing Comair’s quality control management system and safety management systems to establish compliance related to the report, analysis and follow-up on occurrences, and corrective action plans to prevent a recurrence.

“This resulted in the Regulator raising three level 1 finding, and one level 2 finding. In terms of the oversight philosophy of the Regulator, a level 1 finding is an outcome that poses an immediate risk to safety and security, and it must be closed with immediate effect and a level 2 finding must be closed within 7 days,” the statement said.

Also read: Kulula and British Airways grounded by Aviation Authority, all flights cancelled

However, the aviation association further mentioned that it is fully committed to ensuring that the Operator is back in the air and has dedicated a full team to assess and review the evidence as it gets submitted.

“The commitment to safety, in this case, supersedes any other need and this is to ensure that South Africa maintains its safety record of having zero fatal airline accidents in over thirty years on South African soil,” SACCA said.

Comair can also appeal the decision of the suspension to the Director in terms of Part 185.04.2 of the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2009.

Demanding answers:

Meanwhile, passengers have been advised to keep an eye on social media for updates. Information will be posted as it becomes available.

Kulula social media details:

British Airways social media details:

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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery

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