Sostenus Wilherm
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has raised concerns over the issuance of a five-year Air Operating Licence (AOL) to Namibia Air, warning that the approval does not guarantee the airline’s readiness to commence commercial operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula said the government must address regulatory, financial and operational questions before proceeding with plans to launch the national airline, cautioning against repeating the failures associated with the former national carrier, Air Namibia.
Kalangula said there was a need for the public to understand the distinction between an Air Operating Licence and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), arguing that the AOL only allows an entity to apply for commercial routes and develop an airline structure, but does not permit aircraft operations.
An AOC, he said, is a separate safety certification issued by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after an extensive assessment process covering operational procedures, aircraft maintenance, crew qualifications and safety systems.
IPC questioned government’s timeline of launching commercial flights in December, arguing that the process to obtain the AOL itself reportedly took eight months instead of the expected two months.
“Claiming that commercial flights will take off in the first week of December, less than four months away, raises alarming red flags regarding procedural shortcuts or unrealistic political timelines,” Kalangula said.
The party highlighted three areas it believes must be addressed before Namibia Air can obtain an AOC.
These include appointing qualified aviation executives and key safety personnel, securing certified aircraft and maintenance arrangements, and establishing a fully equipped operational base.
IPC also questioned whether the airline has identified its accountable manager, chief executive officer and other technical officials required for NCAA approval.
The party further called for transparency regarding the reported N$20 million feasibility study conducted for Namibia Air, demanding that the government release the study, implementation roadmap and timelines leading to the AOC application.
Kalangula also requested clarity on the airline’s projected operational budget, sources of funding and whether any formal agreements exist with potential partners such as Ethiopian Airlines or Air Botswana.
“Aircraft cannot be safely operated without type-rated Namibian pilots and certified cabin crew,” he said.
IPC urged the minister of works and transport to rely on technical aviation experts and ensure parliament has oversight over the AOC application process to safeguard public funds and aviation safety.
The government announced on Thursday that Namibia Air had received a five-year Air Operating Licence from the Transport Commission, marking a step towards establishing a new national airline following the liquidation of Air Namibia in 2021.
