update on status of jetstream 4100 grounding
Airlink’s current focus is on helping our customers reach their destinations safely and on time.
The first of Airlink’s fleet of 13 Jetstream aircraft was re-certificated as airworthy and released back into service on Friday 8 January by the SA CAA. This followed a rigorous and intense process wherein Airlink’s Maintenance Management Systems were audited. It was ascertained that each maintenance task required through the history of the aircraft had been accomplished, that all airworthiness directives had been embodied, and that all serialised components were traceable and were within their specific in-service life limitation. The manufacturer of the Jetstream’s engines, Honeywell, was able to satisfy the SACAA’s requirements as regards the serviceability of the engines. The aircraft was also physically inspected. The aircraft was found to be airworthy.
The process has confirmed the integrity of Airlink’s Maintenance Management Systems, proving that all manufacturers maintenance tasks through the entire history of the aircraft were carried out, that all Airworthiness Directives required by the various airworthiness agencies were embodied on the aircraft, its engines and propellers, and that all serialised components fitted to the aircraft are fully traceable, were fitted by suitably qualified and certificated maintenance engineers, and are within their specified life limitations.
None of the remaining Airlink Jetstream aircraft have been inspected as yet. Airlink continues working with the SA CAA to return these aircraft to service as soon as possible. This process should move more quickly now as much of the intense auditing of the first aircraft tested the integrity of Airlink’s maintenance systems common to all the Jetstream fleet. However it is not possible to predict how long it will take to complete the inspection process and have all 13 Airlink Jetstreams returned to service.
The travelling public should take comfort in the knowledge that Airlink’s Jetstreams will only return to service with their airworthiness confirmed as a consequence of the thorough SA CAA inspection process. It is noteworthy that the Airlink fleet of Jetstreams have since their introduction in March 1995 completed 410,000 safe passenger flight missions and transported almost 7,000,000 passengers safely to their destinations.
While the uncertainty prevails as to when the remainder of Airlink’s Jetstreams return to service, we are exploring various business-sustaining scenarios and contingencies. These scenarios involve a variety of fleet and route permutations. We would be irresponsible to our customers, staff and shareholders if we didn’t.
Airlink is pleased to announce that it has committed to increase its fleet of Embraer 135LR regional jets by four aircraft which will be delivered and in service by the end of January. With the increase in Airlink’s regional jet fleet, the majority of Airlink’s network will be serviced only by Jet aircraft.
The Jetstream will continue servicing certain routes due to unique operational constraints, including; Phalaborwa, Pietermaritzburg, Umtata and Mafikeng, making use of up to six of the thirteen aircraft fleet, where ten of the thirteen had been used in the pre-grounding schedule.
The Pietermaritzburg route will have enhanced services with double daily Avro quadjet service interspersed with Jetstream service in order to provide suitable service frequency. The quadjet service will commence as soon as the Instrument Approach landing procedure upgrade has been completed at Oribi airport, which is expected to be fully operational by April. This upgrade will provide significant improvements to the minimum Descent height, which will improve service reliability and minimise diversions when low cloud prevails. Comprehensive Jetstream services will continue until the upgrade is operational.
Some of Airlink’s services will be permanently discontinued. These include; Port Elizabeth-Bloemfontein, Bloemfontein-George, Johannesburg-Mala-Mala.
The routes; Durban-George, Port-Elizabeth-East London, Nelspruit-Livingston, and Cape Town-Upington are currently under evaluation.
The simplification of Airlink’s business results in network consolidation, fleet reduction, and fewer departures.
“I would like to apologize to Airlink passengers who were inconvenienced, delayed or re-routed in their travels over the festive season following our decision with the SA Civil Aviation Authority, to remove our Jetstream turbo-prop aircraft from service. Your patience and loyalty is valued. We are working hard to ensure that we can implement our new schedule in time to safely and reliably carry customers when the country returns to work from the holidays,” added Foster.