Operating certificate for African Star

AFRICAN Star has been granted an Operating Certificate (Part 121) by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and hopes to commence services to Germany in time for the European summer, according to Capt Joseph Kirama, president and ceo of the airline. Capt Kirama said African Star's designation as SA's second scheduled carrier on routes to the UK and Germany had been recognised by the UK authorities, but not by Germany as yet. Once this confirmation had been received, the airline would publish a start-up date. Capt Kirama said the carrier was working meticulously to get all the technicalities in order. "We want to be sure that everything is 100%," he said. Vicky Buxton, gm air safety operations for the CAA said the award of the certificate included a number of provisos before African Star could commence commercial flights. The airline's aircraft and routes had still to be inspected, and their training plans and maintenance organisation still to be approved. Vicky said African Star's Sandton operational base had been inspected and found to be of high standard. Responding to past claims that African Star had problems with its aircraft, Capt Kirama said the company had purchased two B747 aircraft from an airline leasing company. Asked about his premises remaining closed for a period of time, Capt Kirama stated that the airline had occupied the same offices since August last year. (Michelle Colman)