REPORT ON AIR NAVIGATION FEES (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULES) REGULATIONS, 2020
PRESENTED BY
THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, TOURISM AND LAND CLUSTER
- INTRODUCTION
On Friday, 19th February, 2021 the Minister of Transport tabled the Air Navigation Fees (Amendment of Schedules) Regulations, 2020. The Regulations were referred to the Portfolio Committee on the Natural Resources, Tourism and Land Cluster for consideration in terms of Standing Order No.100 (3). The Committee invited the Hon. Minister of Transport to a briefing session in accordance with Standing Order No. 101 (2). The Committee, therefore, presents this Report to the House for consideration. - MINISTERIAL BRIEFING
The Air Navigation Fees (Amendment of Schedules) Regulations, 2020 are made pursuant to Sections 4 (3) and 48 (2) of the Aviation Act of 20081. These Regulations repeal and replace the Air Navigation fees (Amendment) Regulations, 20042. The Minister of Transport explained that the old Regulations of 2004, were no longer
responsive to today’s circumstances and economic demands, hence their need for repeal. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member States the principle of no country to be left behind, which demands standardized and harmonized aviation activities around ICAO member states. The Ministry has examined Air Navigation charges of other SADC states such as eSwatini and Botswana which have already updated their fees. The
policy principal is regulating Air Navigation Charges and aviation licensing requirements which include; Aeronautical and non-Aeronautical fees and charges, Licensing fees of Air Traffic Controllers, Air and ground crew. The Regulations are in compliance with ICAO DOC 9082 SEC 1 (18) which states that Airlines should be informed of the fees increase. When drafting this legislation, the following stakeholders were consulted: South African
Airlink, MGC Aviation, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Central Bank of Lesotho, Ministry of Public Works (Planning Unit) and Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing. The Regulations impose financial charges in the form of licensing fees and other charges, which will generate revenue which has been budgeted for in the coming Financial Year 2021/2022. - CONCLUSION
The Committee resolved to allow all the provisions of the Air Navigation Fees (Amendment of Schedules) Regulations, 2020. - RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends that the subordinate law be allowed and this report be adopted by the House. - MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
- Hon. K. Mathaba (Chairperson)
- Hon. T.C. Lerafa
- Hon. T. J. Molise
- Hon. P. S. Molefi
- Hon. L. G. Motšoane
- Hon. J. M. Sello
- Hon. S. S. Sekhamane
- Hon. M. M. N. Moremoholo
- Hon. T. Ramatla
- Hon. M. Lenkoane
- Hon. L. D. Kompi
- Hon. M. ‘Muso
- Hon. M. Sello
- Hon. M. ‘Molotsi
- Hon. T. G. Manyooko
- Hon. N. E. Kaya
- Hon. T. Kholumo
- Hon. S. Ntsekele
- Hon. T Tṧolo
- Hon. M. Moletsane