L        About AASA / Operations

  L  AASA Safety Committee

This committee is an AASA Standing Committee and meets quarterly. In the interest of safety of the aviation industry, it is open to all airlines, both AASA and non-AASA Members to attend, as well as all industry role players which have an interest in the improvement of aviation safety. 
    There is an open exchange of information between the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Air Traffic Navitation Services (ATNS), the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and all industry stakeholders. 
    Airline Safety Officers are encouraged to share information and learn from each other’s experiences. Problem areas identified are discussed and resolved amongst committee members. This Committee contributes to the overall improvement of safety, and where appropriate, it will make recommendations in respect of proposed regulations or amendments to existing ones.

  L  Aviation Co-ordination Services

ACS was formed in 1999 by AASA and Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) to provide the following services on behalf of the airlines at ACSA and several private airports:

  • 100% Hold Baggage Screening;
  • Baggage Reconciliation;
  • Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) – maintenance, operation and management;
  • Common User Self Service Kiosks (CUSS) – maintenance operation and management; and
  • Cargo Screening on behalf of certain clients.

AASA works with ACS, ACSA and the member airlines in provision of these services at the highest international standards in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) and Civil Aviation Regulations.

  L  Other operational matters

AASA is involved in issues arising that require attention in support of airline operations, such as:

  • Hand baggage: AASA was instrumental in working with ACSA and the airlines to draft a Hand Baggage Policy to control the carriage of hand baggage on board aircrafts. This process was implemented on 2 February 2015.  
  • Amendment of Regulations for Persons with Disabilities: AASA is working with ACSA and airlines to draft proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Regulations to clarify the process for the transport of passengers with disabilities. 
  • Slot coordination: AASA is a member of the Slot Coordination Committee of South Africa, which seeks to manage the efficient use of slots and thereby optimise the utilisation of airspace and airport infrastructure.
  • Air Traffic Services: AASA is a member of the Committee comprising ATNS, the South African Department of Transport (DoT) and members of the industry in the implementation of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) within South Africa.
  • Weather Service: AASA works with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and the airlines to consider new developments or initiatives and service delivery issues.
  • Airport Management Centre (AMC): AASA supports the AMC in its work and is part of the forum which reviews the performance of all stakeholders impacting the efficient operations at aiports on a quarterly basis.

  L  Local Airport Security Committee

AASA is a member of the O.R. Tambo International Airport Security Committee dealing with security-related matters under the chairmanship of ACSA together with all government Agencies.

  L  Environment and illegal wildlife trafficking 

The Buckingham Palace Declaration and Southern African Transport Taskforce

September 8, 2020. AASA would like to extend a warm welcome to Ian Cruickshank, a pioneer in environmental sustainability in aviation with extensive experience, who has joined AASA as a Consultant in the role of Environmental and Wildlife Specialist.
    If you have any environmental questions or queries, please send an email to environment@aasa.za.net.

Background: In November 2016 AASA signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD) with the aim of joining a worldwide campaign to combat international wildlife trafficking. The signatories of the United for Wildlife (UFW) Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration on the transportation of illegal wildlife products agreed to commit to combat the trade of illegal wildlife.    

AASA has committed to help where possible to bring an end to the illegal trade in wildlife by signing this Declaration, creating an awareness amongst its members, and supporting implementation of the commitments.
    On 6 February 2020, AASA offered to serve as a convening vehicle to support the establishment of the Southern African Transport Taskforce, emphasising the potential impact the Taskforce can have on all types of trafficking. 
    As a BPD signatory, AASA is ready to take their effort to the next level. Ian Cruickshank was appointed by United for Wildlife as Transport Taskforce Manager based in Southern Africa and will work with all stakeholders to set up the Southern African Task Force, with opportunities to become involved further afield.
    AASA also has other environmental priority issues that impact the airlines in the Southern African region. These include Carbon Taxes for South African domestic aviation, and CORSIA, which deals with the climate change program for international aviation, as well as other climate change programs. 
    Due to the significance of the work that lies ahead, UFW have agreed that Ian, as their Transport Task Force Manager, works with AASA and the aviation sector as an Environmental and Wildlife Specialist to provide valuable expertise, and assistance to the sector, to achieve the respective goals and mandate of ensuring airlines in the Southern African region are aware of illegal wildlife trafficking practices and implement necessary preventative actions, and also ensure environmental compliance with the appropriate statutory requirements.