Govt set to unbundle CAAZ

into two separate entities.
One of the two entities will handle the regulatory responsibility while the other will be in charge of the aviation operations.
Currently the authority is both a regulator and a manager of airports across the country.
The move to unbundle the authority is meant to ensure good governance and efficiency within the industry.
This follows plans made by the Government last year to come up with a civil aviation policy framework to transform CAAZ into an independent authority and enhance its effectiveness.
Transport, Communications and Infrastructural and Development Minister Nicholas Goche confirmed the unbundling and said the process was still at the initial stage.
“The unbundling is still in the initial stage and will result in the creation of a Government owned entity responsible for the operations while the other will be an independent regulatory arm that will ensure safety and security standards are adhered to.
“The finalisation of the unbundling process will mean that some of CAAZ’s divisions including flight safety and standards will be placed under the regulatory authority,” said Minister Goche.
“CAAZ is going to be refocused to concentrate on its core functions while the regulatory mandate will be taken over by the new regulator.”
The recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety security audit report acknowledges that the country’s aviation industry is still compliant with international standards.
To ensure safety within the industry Government recently gazetted new aviation measures compelling notifications of aircraft accidents and incidents to be made to the authority.
The regulations spell out what the civil aviation authority should do upon receiving the report.
CAAZ was established in 1999 with its core functions being to provide air navigation, airport facilities and services.
The authority manages eight airports, which are at various stages of refurbishment.