Three local airline operators defend their licenses

The Board of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has heard presentations from four local airline operators as they defended their air service licenses.

Before the seven member board chaired by retired former deputy Chief Justice, Steven Kavuma, Misk Air Limited, Air SERV Limited and Premier Services East Africa Limited made separate cases to have their licenses renewed, while Arasus Aviation Limited sought to start operating in Uganda.

During the public hearing held in Kampala, Premier Services East Africa Limited owned by Madhvani Group is seeking renewal of their license to continue operating out of Kakira to transport directors of the company and immediate family members.

Speaking on behalf of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority board, retired deputy justice Steven Kavuma said that they  were impressed by the presentations of the four applicants adding that Uganda civil aviation authority under section 6 (2) of the Civil aviation authority Act Cap 354 as amended is responsible for licensing of air transport services.

‘’In compliance with the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air services) regulations 2001, the application s were advertised in the print media and the public was invited to attend  the public hearing meeting in respect of the air services under consideration’’ said Justice Steven Kavuma.

‘’UCAA, the transparent public hearing accords applicants or air services an opportunity to present their case.  The authority always strives to create a level playing field for all operators, while encouraging fair competition, innovation and consumer protection’’. Said Hellene Wenene, the acting director general.

Currently, there are 26 Ugandan licensed air operators offering scheduled passenger and/or cargo, non-scheduled passenger and/or cargo, private, training and aerial works services.

She said that in regards to the scheduled international air services, Uganda has concluded Bilateral Air Service Agreements with Fifty six countries adding that the authority encourages Ugandan licensed air operators serving domestic and international routes to make synergies  through airline cooperative arrangements.