Maputo, 29 May (AIM) – Agostinho Langa, chairperson of the Mozambican port and rail company CFM, one of the three state-owned companies managing Mozambique Airlines (LAM), has announced that the two aircraft grounded in South Africa “are not operating because they are being repainted.”
Two aircraft were acquired, over the last year, under LAM’s restructuring process but they have been grounded in South Africa for several months for maintenance reasons. The planes are both Embraer-190s, and can carry up to 100 passengers each. They cost the airline 12.5 million US dollars each.
According to Langa, who was speaking to reporters on Friday, the maintenance demands replacement of a series of procedures within LAM.
“They are not operating because we said the aircraft would be repainted, and the painting we are carrying out is for a new LAM image. A new image does not only mean painting the aircraft, it also means changing a series of procedures within the company”, he said.
Langa explained that preparations are under way for the aircraft to enter service, although “there are still additional costs for LAM as a result of the need to continue operating leased aircraft.”
The chairman said that LAM is currently operating with six aircraft, four of which are leased and will remain in the fleet, and two of which are owned by the company.
Am/
