Solenta Aviation Mozambique is ready to launch domestic passenger flights in Mozambique, however operations have stalled as the group awaits the issuance of its scheduled operator's licence.
The flights, which will be operated under the fastjet brand by Solenta Aviation Mozambique, are planned between key destinations within the country. However, the group is waiting for the government to complete assessments and reforms before it can begin operations.
We have complied with all the requirements, and effectivelywe're just waiting for the scheduled operator's licence to be issued.The government hasn't responded to usofficially, but at a press conference, they mentioned that they are going through reforms in the aviation industry and as soon as that's completed, they will issue our licence or let us know what else needs to bedone. We don't know what the reforms are if wecomply or if we dont, said Brian Holmes , MD of Solenta Aviation Mozambique.
Government hits the brakesAt the press conference last week, covered by Club of Mozambique, Mozambiques government spokesman, Inocncio Impissa , addressed the licensing issues. We will soon have specific information about Solenta Aviation, and the authorities will issue its licence as soon as the conditions have been met. This is because the work being done will benefit Solenta and any other private operator that wishes to operate in Mozambique. This reform should benefit the business environment in Mozambique and enhance the business environment for all potential operators.
Solenta Aviation Mozambique says it has already received sign-off from civil aviation authorities and has aircraft and crew in place. One of the requirements,which is unusual by civil aviation, was that we signed supply contracts, and have them in place with all our suppliers, which includes catering and handling. Our GSA is in place. Our GSAs havehired new regional officers in the provinces, they've contracted officers in airports,so everything is in place were just waiting for a piece of paper, said Holmes.