By Timothy Ijala

THE report about the plane crash into Lake Victoria of the Russian Ilyushin shortly after take-off from Entebbe on March 9 (The New Vision of March 29) raises the issue of Africa’s air safety record.

The fact that Africa’s aviation safety record is the worst in the world compared to other regions is no secret. For example, despite 2009 recording the lowest levels of crashes globally, Africa’s rate of accidents increased from 2.12 to 9.94 accidents per 1.4 million flights compared to the global rate that stood at one accident for every 1.4 million flights.

The reason for the increased air accidents in Africa is the use of ageing aircrafts, lack of maintenance and technical faults.

Take for example the crash of the Airbus A310-300 belonging to Yemen in June 2009. The flight was on its way from Sanaa to Moroni when it crashed in the Indian Ocean with more than 150 people on board.

The crashed aircraft had been cited for technical faults earlier, according to France transport minister Dominique Bussereau, and “banned” from French airspace. However, it could still fly over African airspace.

Also according to a United Nations report, the average age of an aircraft in Africa is 20 years as opposed to 10 years for the rest of the world. Added to that is the fact that a significant number of Africa’s airports do not meet ICAO (International Civil Aviation Authority) standards and recommended practices. Runways, taxiways, parking spaces, passenger and freight terminals are in such a poor condition that they require a major rehabilitation and upgrading.

What is the solution?
African states need to establish effective safety oversight systems. This includes qualified staff to exercise safety oversight in accordance with international standards.

More money also needs to be invested in aviation infrastructure including buying more modern aircrafts and getting rid of ageing aircrafts.

Operating regulations aligned to international standards need to be put in place and strictly adhered to. As a last resort, there may be need to blacklist or ban aircrafts that do not meet safety requirements from operation.

The writer is an air transport consultant