One more hurdle before SA Express planes can take off

SA Express would be ready to fly as soon as the final phase of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) process to re-certify the airline for operation, which began on Thursday, was complete, SAX said in a statement.

On May 24, all SAX planes were grounded after the CAA suspended its operating licence and aircraft maintenance certification.

"SA Express can confirm that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) reinstated its Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification on Friday 22 June 2018. Since then SA Express has undergone a stringent and rigorous process to meet the regulator’s high standards," the airline said in a statement.

It said it had put in place corrective action plans which had been accepted by the CAA.

"A team comprising members of the newly appointed Board of Directors, the Ministerial Intervention Team, as well as SA Express dedicated employees have worked tirelessly to implement the CAA-approved corrective action plans (CAPS)," the statement said.

"The final phase of the five-phase CAA process to re-certify the airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) commenced on Thursday. As soon as the SA Express AOC has been reinstated by the CAA, the airline will be ready to again fly its passengers in comfort and safety."