10 April 2002
Intensive Air is licensed to operate scheduled domestic services to Cape Town, Durban and Margate as well as non-scheduled services (charters) to international points.
Yesterday lawyers representing the airline advised the Department of Transport that the airline would cease operations with immediate effect and that an application for provisional liquidation would be filed in the High Court.
Following disruptions which occurred during the evening of 08 April 2002 as a result of the abrupt discontinuation of services by Intensive Air, all the three other domestic airlines, viz BAComair, Nationwide and South African Airways have made plans to accommodate Intensive Air ticket holders.
The three airlines are currently offering special fares to passengers holding Intensive Air tickets. In addition, both the domestic and international licencing Councils ensure that airline operators maintain adequate guarantees to cover unflown tickets. In the case of Intensive Air a Passenger Protection Scheme has been arranged with the ABSA Bank.
The global aviation industry has been going through a difficult period since the events of September 11 in the United States. Although subsequently, major airlines such as Swissair and Ansett Australia have gone bankrupt, South Africa and other members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are engaged in a process to find global solutions.
We assure the general and travelling public that the situation is under control, and that there are significant signs that the industry is well on its way to full recovery.
The Department is gravely concerned about the inconvenience suffered by passengers and immensely regrets developments at Intensive Air.
We however appreciate the generous gestures extended by BAComair, Nationwide Airlines and SAA to Intensive Air ticket holders.
CONTACT PERSON
Godfrey Selepe
Tel. No: 309-3468
Fax No: 309-3485
E-mail: selepeg@ndot.pwv.gov.za ISSUED BY:
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
TEL: 083 680 7048
FAX: 083 676 8450