The new St Helena Airport has been certified by Air Safety Support International (ASSI), but the official opening and the start of commercial operations remain on ice until operational safety issues have been resolved.
St Helena Tourism says further work is needed to ensure the safe operation of scheduled passenger flights, including managing issues of turbulence and wind shear, which first became apparent during Comair’s implementation flight last month.
It says the certification last week demonstrates ASSI’s satisfaction with the airport infrastructure and aviation security measures; and that the airport’s air traffic control service complies with international aviation safety and security standards. However, the certification is an ongoing process. St Helena’s first Aerodrome Certificate is only valid until November 9, 2016, at which point the airport will need to be re-certified.
The airport was originally scheduled to open this month.
Comair has been appointed to provide weekly scheduled air services from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to St Helena, using a B737-800 seating 120 passengers. Comair will also provide a monthly flight between Ascension Island and St Helena.
