Citi Business News has learnt that the ministry of transport is likely to approve the introduction of a new policy that places a cap on the age of limit of aircrafts that operate in Ghana.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) early this week hinted to Citi Business News it was considering placing a cap on the age limit of aircrafts that can be used in the country.
The move according to the GCAA is as a result of the growing number of incidents in the aviation industry.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Deputy Minister of Transport Joyce Bawa Mogtari said the ministry is in consultation with the GCAA and its affiliate international agencies to advise government on the right policy to introduce to ensure safety in the aviation industry.
[contextly_sidebar id=”5opWeyWjNWVfLqPsYqr9a7gPDMyaFk5O”]“The Ghana Civil Aviation as the regulator would have to consult with the International Civil Aviation organization to come with guidelines for us and then we will be able to roll out a policy in that regard.”
The Deputy Minister of transport told Citi Business News that stakeholder consultation is ongoing and government would soon be presented with some recommendations.
She intimated that such a policy will mean that the current civil aviation act would have to be amended to include the age cap to be placed on planes that fly within the Accra flight information region.
“Yes some discussions have been ignited and some efforts are being made so that we can come out with an age that is reasonable, acceptable and would ensure safety in our aviation sector.”
Meanwhile domestic Airline operators want the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to reconsider its proposal to place a cap on the age limit of aircrafts that can be used in Ghana.
Speaking to Citi Business News Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines Appigy Afenu said the GCAA must rather ensure regular maintenance of aircrafts by operators.
“Is not a straight forward issue because there is always a tradeoff between newness and pricing, if there is going to be age cap placed on aircraft, as in Nigeria where the age cap is 18 years, then somebody has to pay for the amortization of the aircraft which would mean that domestic fares, ticket prices have to go up.”
Apigy Afenu says aircrafts are designed to have a long operating life, some beyond 30 years but what the regulator should rather be concerned with is ensuring regular maintenance of the aircraft by the airlines.
He said international best practice demand that the engine and other parts of the aircraft are changed.
By: Norvan Acquah – Hayford/citifmonline.com/Ghana