Botswana's aviation ranks higher in safety

The European Commission (EU) Directorate for Mobility and Transport has noted an increase of the Effective Implementation of International Safety Standards made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana.

This was decided at its meeting held on 31 May to 2 June 2016 which included the resolution of the Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) in December 2015.
“The results of the ICAO coordinated validation mission are an improvement of the effective implementation of international safety standards up to 71 percent. Based on the result, ICAO confirmed on 31 December 2015 that both SSCs have been resolved. The CAAB has provided additional information on the safety oversight on air carriers certified in Botswana,” the EU regulatory body’s communiqué to Botswana stated.

“The improved implementation of international safety standards and the available safety information show a strong development of CAAB and do not indicate that there are remaining negative trends relating to the safety of air carriers certified in Botswana which would form a reason for concern from an aviation safety perspective,” reads the statement.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, the CEO of CAAB Geoffrey Mashabesha highlighted the need for cooperation by all aviation industry stakeholders in order to maintain and improve on the current ranking. “This increased ranking is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Board, management and staff of CAAB, as well as key external partners that worked tirelessly with the Authority to bring this achievement to fruition,” he noted.

“The implication of this ranking and its benefit to Botswana is that in accordance with the common criteria set out in the annex to regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, air carriers from Botswana will remain excluded from the list of carriers subject to an operation ban within the EU,” explained Mashabesha.
At 71 percent Botswana ranks well above the world average, which currently sits at 63.44 percent, as well as ranking above the average regional ratings for Africa, Latin America and Asia at 48.24 percent, 70.13 percent and 60 percent respectively. Regional rankings for Europe and North America are currently highest at 76.17 percent and 92.32 percent respectively.