Comair's South African airline fleet has been unreportedly reopened.
CAPE TOWN, March 13 (Reuters) - The South African civil aviation regulator grounded Comair's planes on Sunday, claiming that the airline had failed to adequately address safety concerns, in a move that also affects low-cost passengers. Kulula and British Airways have also been fined a lot.
A spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) claims that Comair's operator certification had been extended until after a 24-hour period.
The suspension was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but Comair has not addressed all of the safety issues properly, according to the SACAA.
"We have communicated to them (Comair) that their air operator certification has been permanently suspended until they conclude all of the findings," said SACAA spokesperson Phindiwe Gwebu, who is effectively grounding the company's Boeing aircraft fleet.
Following a thorough review of certain policies, systems and procedures, Comair said it was incapable to confirm when it would start flying again.
"This is a huge blow to our customers, employees, and the flying public," Glenn Orsmond, Comair's chief executive said in a statement.
"If the suspension continues for any time, the implications for the aviation industry and the country are enormous," says the author.
Comair had encountered safety problems in the past month, including "engine failures, engine failure, and landing gear failures."
SACAA said in its investigation that three so-called "level 1" conclusions "who pose an immediate danger" had been discovered.
Comair, which flies local and regional routes from South Africa under the British Airways livery as part of a licence agreement, needed to address before returning to Flight. Compair also operates the Kulula brand.
Comair had planned to resume its schedule at 12 p.m. on Sunday, under the conditions of SACAA's approval, according to a notice on Kulula's website.
"We will do everything we can to accommodate customers affected by the suspension of other flights, prioritizing vulnerable passengers and those who urgently required to travel," Comair said.