Airlink contingencies continue

2009-12-30 14:34

Johannesburg - Contingency measures continued at Airlink on Wednesday, following last week's grounding of 14 of its aircraft due to safety concerns.

SA Airlink spokesperson Karin Murray said rerouting flights on other airlines was ongoing. The airline was also facilitating refunds, if passengers requested them.

"Everything is still status quo... We are in contact with the passengers," she said.

Murray said talks between the airline and plane manufacturer were moving in a "very good" direction.

The airline would release further information about the outcome of these at a later stage.

Jetstream aircraft grounded

Last Wednesday, the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) grounded Airlink's fleet of 14 Jetstream aircraft, following a series of accidents and near-accidents over the past few months.

A problem with an engine component of the craft was subsequently identified.

Airlink said the maintenance related to the engine was the manufacturer's responsibility and the two parties had since begun talks on rectifying the situation.

The other aircraft types operated by SA Airlink - the BAE 146 and Embraer 135 - continued to operate.

The Jetstream Fleet will not be able to flight again until the SACAA had conducted a full inspection into their maintenance and decided whether their airworthiness certification could be reinstated.

- SAPA