South African airports’ runways are “generally” in a good state and compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) said on Monday.
“The only concern at this point is runway 11 at George Airport which is receiving the necessary attention by both the Sacaa and Airports Company South Africa,” the organisation said in a statement.
It said in this case, it should be kept in mind that rehabilitation work had recently been undertaken at George Airport and a new layer of sealant had been applied.
“In cases where sealant was applied a while ago, the material has by now worn down and there is no risk associated therewith.”
It was responding to an earlier media report according to which Sacaa said it was unsure of the safety of the country’s runways at airports.
“This assertion is far from the truth and regrettably causes unnecessary alarm.”
Sacaa said it would study the investigators’ interim report as well as the final report due in September 2010 and, where necessary, introduce changes to address potential shortcomings. – Sapa