/ 13 May 1997

Safety move is welcomed

TUESDAY, 11.00AM:

THE Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) voiced its support yesterday of the move by the Airline Pilots Association of SA and South African Airways to increase air safety over African skies. SAA said over the weekend several African countries will be forced to upgrade their air safety standards or forfeit the overflight fees of aircraft flying between South Africa and Europe.

SAA announced an initaitve to re-equip countries with deficient safety equipment, using money deducted from the overflight fees for that country. Angola has been lent a fire engine and two trucks are being repaired by SAA using overflight funds.

Ten major European carriers are expected to each “adopt” an under-resourced African country and develop the air traffic control and radar systems.