South African regulator suspends SA Express AOC

South African regional airline SA Express was forced to stop operations May 24 after the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) suspended its air operator's certificate, citing safety concerns. SA Express’ aircraft maintenance organisation approvals and certificate of airworthiness for 9 of its 21 aircraft were also suspended. SA Express will have to reapply and be issued with relevant approvals for its AOC, aircraft maintenance organisation and certificates of airworthiness for the grounded aircraft. “The decision to revoke the airlines permits comes after SACAA conducted an audit at the airline and its maintenance organisation in the past several days, which uncovered severe cases of non-compliance that pose serious safety risks,” SACAA said. <br/>