SA Airlink Completes Successful Proving Flight to St Helena

Aug 27, 2017

3 min read

Updated: Aug 15

By Garth Calitz

The proving flight allowed Airlink to showcase its operational proficiency regarding ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations) requirements to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). This is a standard procedure for new air services and is part of the preparations for launching an air service on a new route.

A two-day program was organized to include training and audits at St Helena Airport, along with various discussions with key stakeholders on the Island. During their visit, Airlink had the opportunity to evaluate Air Traffic Control, communication and navigation systems, emergency services, Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Ground Handling Services, Passenger Assistance, terminal facilities, and security.

On Monday afternoon, Airlink conducted 13 flight trials at St Helena Airport as a component of their training program. Gwyneth Howell, the Head of Operations at St Helena Airport, stated: “The audits and training on Airlink’s systems and procedures at the Airport have proceeded very successfully over the past few days, and the Basil Read Airport Operations Team is enthusiastic and prepared for the start of Airlink’s scheduled flights.”

Alongside the training and audits, there has been a great deal of work underway on the practical planning for the commencement of the air service and the opportunities for tourism development that the air service will bring.

Airport Director, Janet Lawrence, said: “The proving flight has brought together the different specialisms from SACAA, Airlink, St Helena Airport, potential tour operators and those working in the tourism sector. My thanks to everyone who made the visit a success. The reality of a regular scheduled air service and the opportunities it will offer the Island is fast approaching.”

At a reception held at Plantation House on Monday evening, Governor Lisa Phillips welcomed to St Helena personnel arriving on Airlink’s proving flight to the Island.

Guests at the reception included the CEO of Airlink, Rodger Foster, members of Airlink’s marketing and ground operations team, the two flight crews that will operate the St Helena route, representatives from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, tour operators New Frontiers and African Ample Assistance, and Mantis.

In his opening speech, Governor Lisa said: “The proving flight is a precondition for the scheduled commercial air service to St Helena and today moves us one step closer to Airlink commencing flights to the Island.

“I hope that we will not only ‘prove’ to colleagues in the South African Civil Aviation Authority that the Airport operation is technically very capable. But also that we will ‘prove’ what a special place St Helena is. “We are very keen to start passenger services as quickly as possible, though we recognise this cannot happen until all the regulatory approvals are in place. To the tour operators and marketing managers, we are looking to you to bring us the ‘right’ people. This means tourists who will appreciate what we have and who will tell their friends. St Helena needs investors who have ethical approaches and who will consider what they can put into the Island, not what they can take out.

“I’m sure this will be the start of many successful partnerships. There is palpable enthusiasm on the Island for the next step in St Helena’s history – one that will ultimately bring a better standard of living and a better future for everyone who lives here.”

Rodger Foster thanked Governor Lisa and all on St Helena for the warm welcome to the Island. He spoke of how pleased he was with his team and the teams at St Helena Airport and within SHG and St Helena Tourism for their hard work in preparing for Mondays flight.

Rodger was positive about the air service that Airlink would provide for the Island and was hopeful that there would be an announcement shortly regarding a commencement date for scheduled air services and ticket fares.