Aero Zambia to remain grounded following failed court action - Brief Article

Airline Industry Information, Jan 21, 2000

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Aero Zambia has lost a court action to have a decision by the government to ground it for safety reasons overturned.

A Zambian court ruled on 19 January that `the court cannot order or direct the minister to renew the licence because it was not under its jurisdiction....(and)...cannot determine the air worthiness of the aircraft. It has to be done by the right authorities.`

Aero Zambia has been grounded after the Transport and Communication Minister Nkandu Luo refused to renew the carrier`s operating licence on safety grounds.

Nkandu has indicated that the application for renewal will be considered if the carrier could satisfy the civil aviation department that its aircraft and maintenance facilities met international requirements.

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