Ezulwini- Southern African countries have been urged to accelerate the implementation of a mandatory international aviation standard amid concerns that progress across the region has been uneven nearly two years after the requirement came into effect.
Speaking during the ofdicial opening of the five- day workshop on Tueaday at Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini, ESWACAA Director General Andile Mtetwa- Amaeshi said the Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR) system, introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), became mandatory on November 28, 2024, but adoption among SADC member states has varied.
“The ACR/PCR system represents a significant paradigm shift in the assessment of pavement strength and aircraft compatibility at aerodromes,” the DG said.
The system replaced the long-standing Aircraft Classification Number/Pavement Classification Number (ACN/PCN) method and is intended to create a globally harmonized approach to assessing whether airport infrastructure can safely accommodate aircraft operations.
Dlamini said the varying pace of implementation across the region highlights the need for greater collaboration among aviation authorities to ensure full compliance with ICAO standards.
“It is essential that we, as a region, accelerate our coordinated efforts to ensure the consistent and accurate application of the ACR/PCR system,” he said.
Echoeing the DG’s sentiments, Aerodrome Safety Inspector Sipho Tsabedze said the new methodology is expected to strengthen decision-making on airport infrastructure and aircraft operations by providing a more accurate assessment of pavement capability.
He said consistent application of the system across countries would contribute to improved safety, operational efficiency and infrastructure planning within the aviation sector.
The push for implementation comes as aviation authorities seek to align airport operations with evolving international standards and ensure regional aerodromes remain capable of supporting current and future aircraft requirements.
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