adminAIR Zimbabwe has scored a first by becoming one of the safest airlines in the region after successfully undergoing an International Air Traffic Authority (IATA) operational safety audit. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu, said Air Zimbabwe was rated as one of the safest airlines after being certified by the aviation international authority and said that they would continue to maintain that rating as they grow the airline.
“We pride ourselves with being the best and will continue to retain and upgrade our airline in order to maintain these standards. We have the best engineers and management team who are sensitive to industry’s needs,” said Dr Mpofu.
Responding to questions on what it meant for the national airline to have passed the audit, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) chief executive Mr David Chawota said that Air Zimbabwe complied with international safety requirements hence they were able to fly to any destination.
Mr Chawota said the airline would also benefit from what IATA offers to its members.
“Air Zimbabwe is adhering to all requirements and the fact that we are certified as safe means that we cannot be grounded and whatever incentives the air traffic authority offers to its members we are also eligible for them,” he said.
During the 9th session of the Routes Africa strategic summit held in Victoria Falls, safety and security in the aviation industry were some of the topics that came under deliberation as well as the liberalisation of air transport policies and the visa regime.
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) secretary general, Dr Elijah Chingosho, said safety within Africa was below world standards and this had to be rectified by 2016.
He said CAAZ was among those that adhered to safety and security.
“There are a number of challenges that are facing African airlines with safety being a top priority. The issue of visas is also a major impediment to visitors and when it comes to safety, by 2016 we should be within world standards,” said Dr Chingosho.
He said infrastructure in Africa is not coping with rapid developing airlines.
Meanwhile, Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Edmund Makona, said developing the aviation sector, rehabilitating and refurbishing airports was in line with the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio Economic Transformation (Zim Asset) Cluster Three goals on infrastructure and utilities.
“Aviation is the way to go and the time to invest in this sector is now. It is time for people to look at aviation as the future of economic development,” said Mr Makona.
Online Reporter