- MPs raise concerns over ageing aircrafts
- Government confirms new aircraft plans
- New regulations aim to boost aviation standards
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
LOBAMBA – Government has revealed that processes are underway to purchase a new aircraft for Eswatini, following concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the age and condition of the country’s current aircraft fleet.
The disclosure is contained in a report of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Portfolio Committee on the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2024, which was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday. During deliberations on the regulations, legislators sought assurances about the safety and longevity of the aircraft currently being used by the country.
According to the report, committee members questioned officials about the lifespan of aircraft and whether Eswatini’s existing fleet remained safe given that the aircraft are not new.
In response, officials explained that an aircraft can have a lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, depending on maintenance, service history and durability. However, they acknowledged that it was not ideal for a country to rely on ageing aircraft, even though such aircraft may remain operational within their lifespan.
The most significant revelation came when MPs asked what government was doing to secure a replacement aircraft.
“The aircrafts we have are not new and processes are underway to purchase a new aircraft,” states the committee report. Officials further indicated that the aircraft are needed to service regional destinations, including neighbouring countries such as Kenya and others.
The planned acquisition signals government’s intention to strengthen its aviation capabilities while ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
The report was prepared as part of Parliament’s consideration of the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2024, which are aimed at strengthening oversight and safety within the aviation sector. The regulations were developed under the Civil Aviation Act of 2022 and are intended to improve Eswatini’s compliance with international aviation requirements.
Officials told the committee that a series of aviation audits had recommended the introduction of additional regulations governing the sector. They noted that Eswatini’s compliance level currently stands at about 35 percent and that the adoption of the regulations would contribute significantly towards improving the country’s aviation standards.
The committee ultimately recommended that Parliament adopt the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2024, describing them as important for the improvement and development of the aviation industry.
