Tanzania based Coastal Travels Limited (Coastal Aviation) have set the bar high for African Airlines by becoming the first to receive the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Standard Assessment (ISSA). ISSA is internationally
recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control
systems of an airline.
The Coastal Travels has been the pioneer operator in Tanzania for many years. They have been designed
as a passenger and cargo operator. Its ISSA certified success came after attending ISSA assessments and training of its pilots which is a global safety standard for commercial operators.
They now enjoy some of the benefits that include global safety standard for commercial operators not
covered by existing programs, gradual implementation of safety management system (SMS) elements,
improved marketing and commercial advantages for operators and improved conditions for reduction
of insurance premium.
“It is critical that airline operators raise their standard with regards to safety and compliance. This is
what Coastal Travels Limited has achieved with this certification from IATA“, said Captain Mukumbwa
the Managing director for Coastal Travels Limited.
He went on to say that Coastal Travels has made them top agenda after completion of two years vital training and assessments for its pilots and hence introducing MCC(Multi Crew Coordinated) to all its flights
Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Acting Director Safety Regulation, Clara Mpili made it clear
that the ISSA is a program in which small airlines accept and enter into an agreement with the IATA.
Acceptance of Coastal is a huge progress for Tanzanian airlines sector. The ISSA assessment makes an initial
assessment that is followed by biannual renewal assessment then a follow up assessment and a 2year
registration period.
Captain Mukumbwa concluded that it is an everlasting journey with an elusive destination but
contributes to passenger reassurance and comfort. He went on to say that that chronic sense of unease
is what will keep them alert and ready to respond.
Coastal is based at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. The airline flies to over 42 destinations in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda with a fleet of 22 aircraft
Photo: Courtesy – Jetphotos
By Agnes C. Msongelwa
