Red tape keeps African Star grounded

‘Have licence, but can’t fly yet’ THE ON-OFF saga of African Star Airways, due to launch on the UK, Munich routes, is on again, according to chief executive Joseph Karama. He claims the airline is now ready to start up, but is being handicapped in its plans by bureaucracy. “We have done everything required, but there is a hold up in official circles which is hampering us,” he says. A technical inspection of the two Boeing 747-300s with which the airline will launch its service, has been carried out successfully by a technical team from African Star, SA Airways Technical Services and Sabena Technics, he says. Now he is awaiting the clear for take-off sign from the International Air Services Licensing Council.