Mozambique’s government has denied claims that it is blocking the licensing of Solenta Aviation, stating that the procedure is in its final stages.
According to Club of Mozambique, government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa, told local reporters at a press briefing that the licensing was following normal procedures. He did not indicate when the process would be completed.
The final phase includes assessing air transport policies and the airline’s alignment with government targets.
Solenta Aviation Mozambique planned to launch domestic flights under the fastjet brand, but plans stalled as the group awaited the issuance of its scheduled operator's licence.
In July, Brian Holmes, MD of Solenta Aviation Mozambique, told Travel News that the airline had everything in place to begin operations, but general civil aviation assessments and reforms by government meant the group had to wait for its licence.
Solenta and fastjet initially planned to operate four routes – Maputo-Beira, Maputo-Nampula, Maputo-Tete, and Maputo-Quelimane, with plans to expand to Johannesburg as well. However, ch-aviation reported that the airline might redeploy some of its aircraft planned for these routes due to the licensing delays.
Solenta Aviation Mozambique did not respond to requests for comment.
