CAA sanctions 'illegal' fee structure

Safety standards under the spotlight Martin Rushmere ZIMBABWE’S AIRLINE overlord, the Civil Aviation Authority, has officially backed the industry’s decision to set fees at the parallel market rate against the American dollar. In theory this is illegal and the Reserve Bank has threatened unspecified action against anyone who deals outside the official rate of Z$ 55 to the dollar. Says Karikoga Kaseke, acting c.e of the authority: “The rate at which the airlines trade is determined by IATA.” He says the rate will be “reviewed” twice each month, compared with the former practice of every three months. Almost all air cargo agents are basing their fees on the parallel rate, which is now between Z$130 and Z$160 to the dollar. The Civil Aviation Authority has more pressing problems to worry about at the moment. The International Civil Aviation Organisation is on an inspection tour and, according to one Harare newspaper report, is worried about safety standards.