JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — British Airways (operated by Comair) and kulula.com flights have begun operating again from March 17 morning following the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) reinstating Comair’s Air Operators’ Certificate.


“We’re pleased that the situation is finally resolved, following an immense effort over five days and nights to engage and work with the SACAA. After a thorough review of Comair’s documentation, the SACAA has lifted the precautionary suspension of Comair’s license. Our focus is now to get our operations back to normal as quickly as possible so we can further assist our customers,”

said Glenn Orsmond, Comair CEO.
Comair and kulula.com schedules will be restored in a phased manner and customers are advised to check the schedules on the airlines’ websites before coming to the airport. Customers with existing reservations will be contacted directly. Updates will also be posted on social media channels.

The SACAA findings concerned the level of evidential support of some management systems and procedures relating to quality assurance processes, the structuring and personnel in the safety department, and documentation flow regarding repair confirmations.

No safety and security findings were made regarding either flight operations or maintenance. During the precautionary suspension, the airline chartered wide-body aircraft and accommodated its customers on other airlines as far as possible, but with Comair operating 40% of the capacity in the market, there were not enough seats for everyone affected.

“The past four days have demonstrated the implications of having so much capacity removed from the market at such short notice. Having Comair’s operational capability restored is good news for our customers, our employees, the flying public, and the sector,” said Orsmond.