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Mozambique: LAM returns cargo plane’ to its place of origin’ after failing to obtain certification – Notícias
2:39 CAT | 22 Jan 2025
File photo: Notícias
The Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (IACM) has refused to certify a cargo plane presented to it by Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), because the airline was unable to provide all the necessary documentation.
LAM had submitted a request for the certification of the Boeing aircraft to the IACM, which acts as the regulator in the aviation sector, Chairman of the Board of Directors of IACM, João Martins de Abreu, told Noticias yesterday.
The Boeing 737-300 freighter plane , capacity 17 tons, had been acquired at a cost of US$3 million while LAM was managed by Fly Modern Ark, and was presented for certification by LAM in the first quarter of 2024. Te cargo plane was scheduled to start operating in March of the same year.
Although João de Abreu recognizes the need to promote specialized air cargo services in Mozambique, he nevertheless highlighted that such activity cannot occur outside of established norms and standards.
“We are aware of the need for greater flexibility in the certification of aircraft operating in the country. However, as the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority, it is our obligation to comply with and ensure compliance with the rules and conventions that regulate the operation of Civil Aviation in the country and worldwide,” De Abreu said.
The IACM chairman did not comment on the operator’s options in this process, pointing out that these are commercial matters, but added that the Mozambican market is open to cargo transport, encouraging operators to invest in this segment.
Commander Abreu explained that the Civil Aviation Authority of Mozambique encourages the exercise of the 7th Freedom of the Air for air cargo segments, within the scope of the Yamoussoukro Decision on Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The 7th Freedom of the Air consists of allowing foreign aircraft to offer air freight services between two destinations in any national territory with no requirement to include in such operations any point in the territory of the home state of the carrier, a development that is contributing to the growth of the air cargo transport market in Mozambique.
Several cargo aircraft, duly certified and licensed by the IACM, operate in Mozambique as a result of the legal reforms and flexibility that it has been implementing.
Indonesia
Meanwhile, through a statement issued yesterday, LAM announced that the cargo plane has been returned to its place of origin, as it did not have certification in the national territory.
The airline also said that the aircraft had remained in Mozambique since December 31, 2023, and took off from Maputo International Airport on this Saturday (18-01) bound for Indonesia.
LAM stated that it remains committed to serving the cargo segment in the Mozambican market using the hold capacity of aircraft already in its fleet.
READ: Mozambique: LAM’s first cargo plane to start operating from March 25th
Mozambique: LAM receives its first cargo aircraft
Source: Noticias
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