The Angolan National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has received a notice from TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola regarding its plan to continue flights during a strike by the Sindicato de Técnicos de Manutenção de Aeronaves (STMA). The strike, scheduled to take place in four phases between October and December, has raised concerns about the airline's ability to maintain operations. ANAC has not made a public statement on the matter.
According to the STMA, the strike will occur in four phases: October 11-15, November 6-10, December 5-10, and December 19-23. The union had previously planned a strike for September 2, but it was postponed after five meetings with the airline failed to reach an agreement. The STMA claims that TAAG has not provided sufficient information on how it plans to maintain aircraft operations during the strike.
The TAAG has announced that it will maintain 85% of its flights during the strike, but has not disclosed who the technicians will be. The airline's plan raises questions about compliance with aviation regulations. According to the Normas Técnicas de Aeronavegabilidade (NTA) 5, TAAG is required to have sufficient personnel to operate its aircraft, and this information must be registered with ANAC.
The NTA 7 regulations state that no aircraft can fly without the signature of a licensed technician. However, it is unclear if TAAG has sufficient licensed technicians to operate its aircraft during the strike. The airline may consider hiring foreign technicians, but this would require a work visa and validation of their licenses by ANAC.
The Sindicato de Técnicos de Manutenção de Aeronaves (STMA) had previously planned a strike for September 2, but it was postponed after five meetings with the airline failed to reach an agreement. The union claims that TAAG has not provided sufficient information on how it plans to maintain aircraft operations during the strike.
ANAC's lack of comment on TAAG's plan has raised concerns about the airline's compliance with aviation regulations. The authority's silence has left many questions unanswered, including who the technicians will be and how they will be certified. The situation remains uncertain, with many stakeholders waiting for ANAC to make a statement.
The ongoing dispute between TAAG and STMA has significant implications for the airline industry in Angola. The strike, if it goes ahead, could have major consequences for the country's aviation sector, including disruptions to flights and potential economic losses.
Key points
- TAAG plans to maintain 85% of its flights during the strike.
- ANAC has not commented on TAAG's plan to maintain flights during the strike.
- The strike is scheduled to take place in four phases between October and December.
