IPC warns Namibia Air faces hurdles before take-off

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) cautions that Namibia Air’s newly issued air operating licence (AOL) should not be mistaken for approval to begin commercial flights, warning that critical regulatory, operational and financial requirements remain outstanding.

IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula in a statement issued on Thursday, says the public should understand the distinction between an AOL and an air operator certificate (AOC), adding that the AOL only allows the airline to apply for commercial routes and establish its business structure, while the AOC is the mandatory safety certification issued by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority before any aircraft can operate.