Progress has been made in restoring air access to private safari lodges ahead of the busy Easter weekend as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) works through a high volume of applications from aerodrome operators who had to suspend operations due to non-compliance with new regulations.
The regulations, gazetted on March 28, require all aerodromes and heliports conducting commercial air transport operations to be certified, licensed or approved. Non-compliance forced a halt to charter and shuttle flights servicing many private reserves and lodges across the country.
Nicole Schickerling, Commercial GM: Shuttle for Federal Airlines (FedAir), said the SACAA has been making headway in issuing approvals, working in close collaboration with the private aviation sector.
“As a result of this joint commitment, we have successfully received several key aerodrome approvals ensuring safer operations within the industry – something that we all prioritise,” said Schickerling.
“Many of these approvals have come through in the past few days, enabling us to resume flights to select destinations in time for the busy Easter period.”
She said FedAir, which uses 24 runways in the country’s leading private reserves, has restored operations across 71% of its network. Seven runways still await approval.
“We have been in contact with the runway owners to offer assistance and have further engaged with the SACAA to expedite the necessary compliance processes for these remaining airstrips.”
Schickerling said FedAir has collaborated with its lodge partners to identify “the least inconvenient but practical solutions for all affected guest itineraries”.
She explained: “Where alternative approved aerodromes were available, coordinated road transfers were arranged in line with our commitment to ensure guests reach their final destinations as efficiently and timeously possible. We commend each lodge, runway owner and SACAA for expediting a solution speedily.”
