Transformation in the aviation industry has been too slow, transport director-general George Mahlalela said on Wednesday.
“In our varied endeavours to grow the industry we must be mindful of the need to transform and bring the required change into the industry,” he said.
Mahlalela was speaking at an aviation safety seminar in Boksburg.
Realising the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment transport charter, which also applied to aviation, had been a problem.
Santaco airlines, an enterprise by the taxi industry, was a step forward in bringing about transformation in the industry, he said.
“Until Santaco airline's test flight on September 16 between Lanseria airport and Bisho, many of our people would not have considered flying as an option.”
Flying was a privilege of a select few in most communities.
“If this concept ultimately takes off there will be a new market created, instead of jostling in an already overcrowded market as is the case in other parts of the world,” Mahlalela said. - Sapa