Paragon unfazed by cargo embargos

Paragon Investment Holdings has dismissed allegations of security concerns leading to certification issues, which subsequently prompted several airlines to impose cargo embargoes on Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA).

Paragon Investment Holdings’ aviation wing Paragon Aviation Services is providing ground handling operations at the airport.

Since it took over last Saturday, several airlines have introduced cargo embargoes for incoming and outgoing goods.

Paragon spokesperson Lazarus Jacobs refuted these claims, labelling them as mere “side-shows” and “alarmist propaganda”.

Jacobs’ stance appears to be rooted in unwavering confidence in the company’s operations.

“We are Paragon and we are Namibian. We are not going anywhere,” he said.

By yesterday, both South African Airways and Ethiopian Airways lifted their respective cargo embargoes.

The embargo was initiated by the airlines, pending substantiation that Paragon Aviation Services had implemented adequate aviation security protocols.

Angolan airline TAAG was an exception, abstaining from enforcing a cargo embargo due to the primarily domestic destination of the goods they transport from Namibia.

At present, cargo destined for Europe is unable to go directly from Namibia via HKIA, as Eurowings maintains an ongoing embargo.

Jacobs emphasised that Paragon Aviation Services adheres to the regulatory licensing requirements set by relevant authorities for managing ground handling services at HKIA.

“Every flight that goes through HKIA will be handled by us. By the way, have any of you seen the so-called certificates of the previous operators?”

Meanwhile, Airlink has suspended its cargo operations.

In an official statement, company spokesperson Linden Birns said cargo operations will only resume when Paragon addresses its aviation security concerns.

These concerns encompass various aspects including the handling of dangerous goods and other cargo, certifications, approvals and protocols.

“If Airlink continues providing a cargo service at Windhoek without these, the integrity of its operations and international aviation safety and security will be compromised,” Birns said.

Birns further clarified that delayed flights since Paragon took over ground handling were due to equipment shortages.

In the interim, Airlink’s passenger services to Windhoek remain unaffected.

Matti Amukwa, chairperson of the Hake Association, expressed concerns about the embargo’s financial toll on the fishing sector.

He said the added time required to reach the European market has increased their expenses.

“The sector now has to take goods to Johannesburg via road, which is an additional 1 500km that we have to absorb,” he said.

Previously, the industry was able to export six tonnes of fish three to four times a week by air.

Meanwhile, numerous packages that arrived in the country last Friday and those intended for departure are currently housed in Menzies warehouse at the airport.

It’s understood that releasing the incoming packages will pose challenges due to necessary customs clearance procedures.

Enquiries sent via email to Menzies’ vice president for South Africa and Namibia, Ian van Rooyen, remained unanswered by the time of going to print.

Namibian Airports Company chief executive Bisey Uirab has urged all stakeholders, including airlines, to rely on accurate information directly from Paragon, the NCAA and the NAC.

He expressed concern about the spread of misinformation regarding Paragon’s industry certifications and capacity to provide ground handling services at HKIA.

According to Uirab, Paragon’s relevant certification from the civil aviation industry’s regulator are well documented and readily available for objective verification.

“Although the NAC cannot fathom the rationale for the dissemination of misleading information by the aforementioned stakeholders, we hereby implore airlines and all other stakeholders to proactively ascertain the actual state of affairs from Paragon, the NCAA, as well as NAC, to avert a recurrence of misleading the public about Paragon’s capacity and certification to render ground handling services at HKIA,” he says.

Meanwhile, Menzies has sought a court order allowing them to continue providing ground handling services at the airport.

The High Court has postponed the delivery of judgement in the case to 1 September.

Menzies initiated additional legal proceedings seeking similar relief on Tuesday.