Windhoek
In pursuit of airport safety and security – and in conformity with the applicable civil aviation regulations – the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) was recently awarded an aerodrome license for Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) by the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA).
Under the Civil Aviation Act, an airport is licensed once it is in full conformity with the legal requirements on aerodrome licensing and operations, as laid down in the Namibia Civil Aviation Regulations (NAMCARs).
During the months of May to July 2015, the DCA inspected HKIA for licensing purposes and the license was awarded on July 22, 2015, confirming compliance of the equipment, technical facilities and services needed for the operation and maintenance of all airport requirements.
The continuous improvement of the security of airport operations is one of the six strategic priority areas outlined in the NAC’s Strategic Plan 2014-2017. Similar activities are ongoing for the airports of Eros, Ondangwa, and Walvis Bay with the aim of renewing their operational licenses by the end of 2015.
NAC established a Board of Directors’ Sub-committee on Safety and Security Compliance in January 2015 to lead the implementation of the approved Safety Management System (SMS) Plan, while a Risk and Compliance Team was established within the Office of the CEO to manage the implementation of the Safety Management System and compliance activities.
The Safety Compliance Manual for HKIA as well as a three-year plan for the implementation of a SMS were both approved by DCA in 2014.
Once completed, the current licensing process will enhance the level of compliance of NAC’s airports to national and international safety and security standards, ultimately contributing to Namibia fulfilling its commitment to license all international airports by December 2015, as per the Declaration adopted by all African States in Abuja, Nigeria in July 2012.