The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA, often rendered just CAA) fully supports the growth of the country’s aviation sector. “The CAA is committed to holding discussions which will facilitate aviation growth,” assured director of civil aviation (head of the SACAA) Poppy Khoza. She was speaking at the SACAA Aviation Industry Growth Conference in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

She stated that her agency sought to be part of the “meaningful change and growth” of the local aviation industry. “We are committed to engaging with as many aviation stakeholders as possible.” This engagement would include discussions, liaison and facilitating interactions between aviation stakeholders and government departments.

“The majority of regulators around the world do not have to take into account the financial viability of [aviation] licence holders when making regulations,” she noted. SACAA, however, believed that regulators should take the financial viability of licence holders into consideration when regulating. “The challenge will be to ensure the balance between regulatory compliance and the economic viability of the licence holders.”

“We can only achieve the desired results by working together.” She urged the various branches of the aviation sector to find more ways of cooperating.

Khoza affirmed her belief that South Africa has the expertise and talent to increase innovation in the aviation industry and to expand that industry to include the manufacturing of aircraft. She called for increased innovation through research and development, while protecting the environment to ensure the sustainable development of the sector. She also highlighted the need for improved cooperation within the sector in order to boost “brand South Africa”.

The SACAA is committed to transforming the industry, “one young person at a time”. It supports the training of young people who are interested in careers in the aviation industry.