South Sudan, Republic of
South Sudan, Republic of - 2.2 Aviation
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South Sudan, Republic of

2.2 South Sudan Aviation

Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/

Civil aviation falls under the authority of the Ministry of Transport and South Sudan, which has been a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) since 10 November 2011. In 2013, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority was established, and this statutory authority aims to formally oversee and regulate the country's aviation industry, airline companies, and operations. South Sudan’s Juba International Airport (JIA) is the only airport receiving flights from international commercial airline carriers. The other significant airports include Wau, Malakal and Rumbek.

The aviation industry is generally characterised by decades of underdevelopment, little investment in infrastructure, low capacity and a poor safety record and adherence to international standards. The country is, however, readily accessible by air as there are hundreds of fixed-wing and helicopter landing sites spread out across the country, of which more than 50 airstrips are serviceable by fixed-wing aircraft. Most of these strips are gravel, however, and only accessible by light aircraft. Only Juba, Paloich, Malakal and Wau airports currently have asphalted runways capable of handling large aircraft.

The availability of fuel, aircraft maintenance facilities and handling services remains an issue, especially in remote areas. A few private sector operators can supply fuel at the various significant airports; however, fuel is imported from neighbouring countries, increasing costs and risking fuel shortages, especially during the rainy season. Basic repairs and maintenance can be conducted in South Sudan; however, significant repairs must be conducted in neighbouring countries or, in some cases, Europe.

More recently, a concerted effort by the government is being made to upgrade existing aviation infrastructure, expand the network, and manage its airspace. The runways of major airports such as Wau and Malakal have been upgraded to asphalt. Recently, there have also been growths in commercial, domestic carriers, air charter and airfreight companies providing reliable service.

For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Procedures for Foreign-Registered Aircraft

In South Sudan, the Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for the registration of foreign aircraft operating within the country.  The CAA is currently working on a formal process to register foreign aircraft operating in South Sudan and the current process is largely uncomplicated. 

General Aviation:

1) Register for a business license from the Ministry of Justice as per regular business registration procedures.  This includes registering for a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

2) Write an application letter, on company letterhead addressed to the Director General of Civil Aviation, expressing the company’s intentions of operating in South Sudan.

3) Attach:

    • List of aircraft intended to operate in South Sudan, including aircraft details and roles i.e. cargo or passenger aircraft;
    • All relevant aircraft documentation such as insurance and most recent maintenance inspection/reviews.
    • All relevant pilot documentation such as recent medical certificates and licenses;
    • Organizational diagram including maintenance and engineering staff;
    • Business and TIN registration documentation.

4) Submit to the Civil Aviation Authority for approval.

The Director of Aviation Safety and flight operations office will review the submitted application and inspect the aircraft and aircrew upon arrival in South Sudan.

  • If approved, it will issue a permit to operate in South Sudan.
  • If denied, the applying organization will be asked for additional clarification and/or documentation. The CAA could also contact the country of origin for further information.

Humanitarian Aviation:

1) Write an application letter, on organization letter head addressed to Director General of Civil Aviation, expressing the organizations intensions of operating in South Sudan.

2) Attach:

  • List of aircraft intended to operate in South Sudan, including aircraft roles i.e., cargo or passenger aircraft.
  • All relevant aircraft documentation such as insurance and most recent maintenance inspection/reviews.
  • All relevant pilot documentation such as recent medical certificates and licenses. 
  • Organizational diagram including maintenance and engineering staff;
  • Operations certificate, registration certificate, and TIN registration documentation (NGOs Only).

3) Submit to the Civil Aviation Authority for approval.

4) The Director of aviation safety and flight operations office will review documentation and inspect the aircraft and aircrew upon arrival in South Sudan.

  • If approved, it will issue a permit to operate in South Sudan.
  • If denied, the applying organization will be asked for additional clarification and/or documentation. The CAA could also contact the country of origin.

Other Comments:

  • The duration of the operating permit issued by the CAA is limited to the duration of the aircraft insurance.
  • The process timeline for registering foreign aircraft is fairly short as the process is relatively uncomplicated.
  • Currently, no fees are applicable to register foreign aircraft.
  • This registration process is subject to change as the CAA is currently formalising the process of registering foreign aircraft. 

For more information on procedures for foreign-registered aircraft, please see the following attachments:

 

 

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