BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The King’s Office has confirmed that the Kingdom’s aircraft, Siyinqaba II, has officially been placed on the market for sale as government advances plans to modernise the country’s executive aviation fleet.
Director of Communications in the King’s Office, Percy Simelane, confirmed that the aircraft had been put up for sale with an asking price of about E40 million.
“True. The aircraft in question (Siyinqaba II) has been put on the market for sale. We believe interested persons will formally register their interest in due course. For now there isn’t anything to write home about with regards to immediate purchase for the price of about E40 million,” said Simelane.
His remarks confirm that government has begun the process of disposing of the aircraft, although there has not yet been any immediate interest from prospective buyers.
The confirmation comes as government pursues plans to acquire a replacement aircraft to strengthen the country’s aviation capability.
The planned replacement was recently disclosed in Parliament through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Portfolio Committee report on the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2024.
According to the committee report, Members of Parliament raised concerns about the age and condition of the country’s current aircraft fleet and sought assurances that the aircraft in service remain safe.
Officials explained that an aircraft can generally have a lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, depending on factors such as maintenance, service history and durability. However, they acknowledged that while ageing aircraft may remain airworthy, it is not ideal for a country to depend on older aircraft for official operations.
During the committee’s deliberations, officials also confirmed that processes were already underway to procure a new aircraft.
The report noted that the aircraft would be required to service regional destinations, including neighbouring countries and other destinations such as Kenya, as government seeks to improve the efficiency of official travel.
The acquisition forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Eswatini’s aviation sector while ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards.
The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2024, were developed under the Civil Aviation Act of 2022 and are intended to enhance oversight of aircraft safety and improve the country’s compliance with international aviation requirements.
Officials informed the committee that aviation audits had recommended the introduction of additional regulations governing the sector. They further indicated that Eswatini’s compliance with international aviation standards currently stands at about 35 percent, with the new regulations expected to significantly improve that rating.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee subsequently recommended that Parliament adopt the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2024, describing them as essential to the continued growth, safety and development of the country’s aviation industry.
The confirmation by the King’s Office that Siyinqaba II has been placed on the market is therefore seen as another step in government’s broader programme to modernise the country’s executive aviation fleet while enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with international standards.
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(Courtesy Pic)
