Comair (South Africa) (CAW, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) says it has successfully obtained an interdict against the South African Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) from potentially revoking its Domestic Air Services License.
Earlier this week, the firm warned it, along with its Kulula Air (Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) subsidiary, faced the possible suspension of operations from May 11 onwards pending the outcome of an ASLC decision concerning its compliance with local foreign ownership laws.
A follow-up meeting between the sides failed to resolve the matter with Comair claiming the ASLC to be 'undecided' on its plans to suspend the carrier's licence. Given the ASLC's unwillingness to provide Comair with a guarantee regarding its intentions, the firm then took the legal route.
"...Comair obtained an interdict against the ASLC from potentially revoking its license at any time prior to the scheduled interdict hearing set down for Tuesday, May 17. Thereafter Comair will have the opportunity to take the decision of the ASLC regarding Comair’s shareholding on review," it said.
Comair's problems stem from a complaint filed with the ASLC by rival FlySafair (FA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) in 2014 where it claimed Comair's foreign ownership component exceeded the legally permitted 25% cap. While FlySafair eventually dropped the complaint, the ASLC decided to pursue an investigation.
For its part, the ASLC says that though Comair has presented additional information on its shareholding, the council has been not satisfied with the submissions.
