SA Express cleared to resume services, but timeline uncertain

SA Express has received the go-ahead to restart services, 9 weeks after the country’s civil aviation regulator grounded the airline. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) made the decision May 24 following an audit of the airline and its maintenance operation, which the regulator said “uncovered severe cases of non-compliance that posed serious safety risks.” The decision came a month after the airline succeeded in having its aircraft maintenance organisation approval restored. Getting back to the position where it can resume services has taken longer than the airline had initially hoped. However, it may yet be some time before SA Express can get back into the air, as the SACAA has so far restored the airworthiness certificates for only 2 of its aircraft. <br/>