Solenta operating Antonovs now?

[I.R.PIRATE]

I see Avherald is naming the recent company involved in the AN26 ditching off Libreville, as Solenta.

Is this true? Is Solenta using/leasing Antonovs for DHL contracts?

[Solenta]

The company operating the Antonov's is Scorpion Air - a Bulgarian company.
They used the Solenta Gabon AOC/AMO hangar facilities in Libreville.

Solenta Aviation (PTY) LTD has no operational connection whatsoever with these aircraft, and does not operate Antonovs and has absolutely no intention of doing so in the future !!

Solenta operates B1900Ds and ATR42s in LBV.

Paul Hurst
Managing Director
Solenta Aviation (PTY) Ltd.

[Fuzzy Lager]

So if they are using the Solenta Gabon AOC, then surely there is an operational connection?

[I.R.PIRATE]

This is what I find interesting here. If they are on your AOC then by default you are 'using' Antonovs? N'est pas?

[lambert]

What was that about a Metroliner crashing in Cork on a Spanish company's OAC - and everybody washing their hands of it.

[saywhat]

Sounds a little suspect to me. A little like saying "I wore a condom, so it wasn't actually me that poked the camel"...

This is Africa though. A few bucks under the table makes anything legit......No bucks under the table makes, ....well doesn't make anything really.

[The Ancient Geek]

Typical african safety culture - contract the work out to the lowest bidder, nobody gives a damn.

[pointer41]

A company may use another's AOC under certain conditions - it does not by default makes the AOC company responsible for everything - the "piggyback" company still has a responsible person aircraft, etc, at least that is how I understand it.

It has been quite a few years since I was involved with Solenta, but I still believe they are some of the best outfits around and do not think they deserve some of the comments, even though it's a rumor network! :)

[saywhat]

Being the best of a pretty piss poor bunch still keeps you in the piss poor basket.

A company may use another's AOC under certain conditions

Therein lies the problem. If you allow someone to use your licenses, it is akin to letting the clients believe it is you.

A plagiarized paragraph may sound the same, look the same, even mean the same. It is still however not yours.........

[WhinerLiner]

What!? Why do you espouse such garbage? Do you think nobody on this forum knows what the rules are?

Solenta operated a non-ICAO registered Antonov on their AOC for years without any real oversight and now that the inevitable occurs they think they can just wash their hands of it. This is not out of line with Solenta’s current ethical policy, they have an ever growing list of legal battles to prove it.

[Falaffel]

To Solenta: Dont forget to mention this on your insurance as a "Solenta" loss... faliure to do so may constitute non-disclosure and lead to repudiation of future claims....

[The Ancient Geek]

To be fair, there is nothing wrong with Antonov aircraft.
They build some very reliable and rugged aircraft, for example the AN2 was built like a brick khazi and almost indestructable.

The problem lies with the bottom feeding operators who buy the cheapest available aircraft of dubious airworthiness, fail to properly maintain them, and then overload them with minimal fuel reserves to cram in the last kilo of freight.

From the moment these operators enter the market even the best find themselves having to cut corners to get work and survive.

The only solution lies in proper regulation and enforcement.

[saywhat]

The only solution lies in proper regulation and enforcement.

....and not letting poorly maintained, overloaded tubs fly on your licenses...

[I.R.PIRATE]

How much does Scorpion Air pay to use the Solenta AOC??

:E

[thats entertainment!]

DHL chose not to use their corporate logo / colours on this aircraft and have not done so for years. This aircraft did make more mula though.... no alarms and no surprises

Sounds like the crew did a good job and wish them well.