Safety oversight preparations for a growing airfreight sector include addressing risks associated with emerging technologies, according to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
The regulator is being positioned to maintain safety as the sector expands, SACAA Executive of Aviation Safety Operations Dean Khumalo told Freight News during its State of Aviation media briefing on October 13.
“It’s a sector that is growing fast and it’s a sector that we are positioning to ensure we maintain safety margins,” Khumalo said.
He pointed to SACAA’s advanced mobility strategy as part of its preparations to manage technological change and mitigate potential risks.
The briefing also addressed changes to aviation oversight since the commencement of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 22 of 2021 on October 12 when the Minister of Transport appointed the Aviation Safety Investigation Board.
Aircraft accident investigations are being separated from the regulator under the new framework, SACAA Director and CEO Poppy Khoza told Freight News. She described this as the Act’s most significant change.
“We hope the transition will be managed appropriately to ensure there is continuity in this space,” Khoza said.
The Act also gives SACAA an environmental protection oversight function and preferential creditor status for money, fees, charges or levies collected on its behalf.
