New gun laws force re-think for Airlink

THE NEW gun laws have caused a major re-think at airline SA Airlink on carrying guns on flights around SA. “Due to our firearm control legislation,” said aviation security manager, Mac Makkink, “and with effect from November 1, Airlink will no longer transport firearms, other than hunting rifles.” Part of the Firearms Control Act, the legislation enforces very stringent measures to control ownership, handling, use and transportation of firearms. This means that anyone other than the licensed owner of a firearm must undergo statutory training and certification before they can handle and transport firearms. “We don’t have personnel who can legally handle firearms at all our stations,” Makkink added. “And, because we have not been able to obtain the services of certified security companies to carry out this function, Airlink has been forced to re-evaluate its policy regarding firearm transportation. “Regrettably, we have decided that it is not viable to continue with the fullscale transportation of firearms to and from all our domestic destinations.” However, Airlink recognised that the hunting industry was a valuable tourist attraction and economic factor, and an important user of the airline. “We will therefore attempt to accommodate hunters by transporting their rifles to destinations where they can be legally handled,” said Makkink. So, from November 1, hunting rifles only will be transported to and from the following destinations: OR Tambo International, Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban; Port Elizabeth; Kimberley; Polokwane; Phalaborwa; and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Nelspruit.