The Board and Management of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) have brushed aside reports of shutting down the Nadzab and Kiunga aerodromes following the expiration of vital operation certificates alluded to by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Managing Director and CEO Rex Kiponge said NAC as the Aerodrome Operating Certificate Holder was not served any notice on the claimed adverse decision as required under the Civil Aviation Act.
“As the aviation document holder, I have not received any adverse decision nor notice of an adverse decision from the Director of CASA. Therefore, I want to assure the travelling public that Nadzab and Kuinga airports are safe for operations and remain operational today and are business as usual,” Kiponge said.
Mr Kiponge was responding to an article published today in one of the dailies. According to the report, Nadzab has 21 non-compliances, and 7 non-compliances for Kiunga. However, Kiponge added that non-compliance is an administrative matter that doesn’t warrant the immediate closure of the airports.
“In this case, the CASA director is alleging that the staff of NAC have not passed the Fit and Proper Person (FPP) Test which is an administrative matter. To put on record, my Airport Operations Manager in Nadzab has passed the FPP Test, and is certified by CASA.”
“For Kiunga Airport, my Senior Manager who is in charge is a Fit and Proper Person also certified by CASA. The Airport Safety Officer for Kiunga has submitted his application for FPP Test which is with CASA awaiting scheduling for his test,” Kiponge said.
Kiponge called on for better dialogue between CASA and NAC stating this is the first blunder of notices the two agencies have had in 10 years.
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