Photo by: Airlink
South African regional airline Airlink has resumed cargo operations to and from the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia. The carrier suspended these operations on Wednesday, August 23, because the new ground handling and cargo service provider appointed for the airport did not have all its required aviation security, dangerous goods handling, and other cargo handling, approvals, certifications and protocols in place.
“If Airlink continues providing a cargo service at Windhoek without these, the integrity of its operations and international aviation safety and security will be compromised,” said the airline in the statement it issued, when it suspended its Windhoek cargo operations. At the same time, the airline assured that it was willing to work with the airport’s new ground service provider, Paragon Aviation Services (Paragon).
Following “constructive discussions” with Paragon, the airline has resumed its Windhoek cargo operations. Airlink will, for an interim period, deploy its own staff to Windhoek to assist Paragon staff by familiarising them with the airline’s cargo handling procedures. (This followed Airlink’s deployment, earlier this month, of additional personnel from South Africa to Windhoek to help Paragon with the processing of passengers.)
“This will ensure continuity and consistency in providing top-class, reliable, on-time, safe and secure air freight services,” assured the carrier in its latest statement. “Airlink apologises to customers affected by the temporary suspension of cargo services at the airport and will expedite clearing its cargo backlog.”
The airline flies up to four return services a day between Johannesburg and Windhoek. It also operates up to three flights a day between Cape Town and Windhoek.