As the BA/ComAir decision directly effects many of the international hunting tourists visiting South Africa, PHASA had regular discussions with ComAir management over the past two weeks regarding it’s decision to no longer transport firearms.

PHASA was given the assurance that the decision to no longer transport firearms, was purely based on business principles.

The quotation from RAPS, the security company at ACSA airports responsible for handling firearms, makes it impossible for BA/ComAir to cover the costs of transporting firearms in Southern Africa.  The figures quoted to us was that 2060 firearms were transported last year, at a cost of R3million to BA/ComAir.

PHASA has approached TBCSA (Tourism Business Council of South Africa) and AASA  (Airlines Association of Southern Africa) for assistance in this regard.

ComAir senior management had a meeting on 20 February and informed PHASA that:

1)      ComAir has received a revised quotation from RAPS in this regard, which they unfortunately still could not accept.

2)      ComAir is in the process of finding an amicable resolution, and specifically so regarding the transport of hunting firearms and will keep me informed.

3)      Although it was indicated that they will no longer transport firearms as from 1 March 2013, they have agreed at this stage to honour all bookings on any BA/Comair or Kulua flights until 31 March 2013.