High Court restores Air Namibia's licence
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
The Windhoek High Court on Wednesday evening overturned a decision taken by the Transport Commission of Namibia which barred Air Namibia from making any flights.
The decision to temporarily revoke the airline's licence was overturned by High Court Judge Marlene Tommasi, the airline said in a statement.
“Air Namibia wishes to inform the flying public that the decision by the Transport Commission of Namibia to suspend Air Namibia's Air Service Licence was overturned by the High Court of Namibia on the evening of 8 July 2020.”
Judge Tommasi granted Air Namibia an order interdicting the transport commission from suspending the licence again, pending a hearing on the matter on 3 August.
Business as usual
Airline spokesperson Paul Nakawa announced a resumption of domestic flights, with the exception of Walvis Bay because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
“Air Namibia will continue to service its domestic routes as per our published schedule. Passengers can still fly between Eros and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Oranjemund. Walvis Bay flights remain suspended.
“The safety of the passengers and employees remain at the heart of our operations. Air Namibia has a procedure to ensure that all its aircraft and ground support equipment are serviced and maintained regularly according to the manufacturer's standards and has maintained an impeccable and unblemished safety record since inception,” Nakawa added.
Failed audit
In an earlier letter to the airline, the transport commission said besides its concern about Air Namibia's financial situation, it had also become aware of a failed International Air Transport Association operational safety audit.
The commission also referenced comments made by President Hage Geingob in his State of the Nation Address, which hinted that Air Namibia may be liquidated.
An airline insider said there were perceptions that Westair Aviation was being favoured to the detriment of Air Namibia.
The transport commission also mentioned that Air Namibia has admitted it was insolvent and, despite a cash injection of between 50% and 60% of the N$8 billion required to implement its business plan, this would not solve the airline's problems.
WINDHOEK
The Windhoek High Court on Wednesday evening overturned a decision taken by the Transport Commission of Namibia which barred Air Namibia from making any flights.
The decision to temporarily revoke the airline's licence was overturned by High Court Judge Marlene Tommasi, the airline said in a statement.
“Air Namibia wishes to inform the flying public that the decision by the Transport Commission of Namibia to suspend Air Namibia's Air Service Licence was overturned by the High Court of Namibia on the evening of 8 July 2020.”
Judge Tommasi granted Air Namibia an order interdicting the transport commission from suspending the licence again, pending a hearing on the matter on 3 August.
Business as usual
Airline spokesperson Paul Nakawa announced a resumption of domestic flights, with the exception of Walvis Bay because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
“Air Namibia will continue to service its domestic routes as per our published schedule. Passengers can still fly between Eros and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Oranjemund. Walvis Bay flights remain suspended.
“The safety of the passengers and employees remain at the heart of our operations. Air Namibia has a procedure to ensure that all its aircraft and ground support equipment are serviced and maintained regularly according to the manufacturer's standards and has maintained an impeccable and unblemished safety record since inception,” Nakawa added.
Failed audit
In an earlier letter to the airline, the transport commission said besides its concern about Air Namibia's financial situation, it had also become aware of a failed International Air Transport Association operational safety audit.
The commission also referenced comments made by President Hage Geingob in his State of the Nation Address, which hinted that Air Namibia may be liquidated.
An airline insider said there were perceptions that Westair Aviation was being favoured to the detriment of Air Namibia.
The transport commission also mentioned that Air Namibia has admitted it was insolvent and, despite a cash injection of between 50% and 60% of the N$8 billion required to implement its business plan, this would not solve the airline's problems.
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