South Sudan’s ‘South Supreme Airlines’ starts Khartoum flights

SOUTH SUPREME LAUNCHES JUBA – KHARTOUM FLIGHTS

(Posted 10th September 2013)

South Sudan’s South Supreme Airlines on Sunday launched their first commercial flight between the South Sudan capital Juba and the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, reportedly using an Antonov A26 for the service.

The flights became possible following the establishment in end February of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, which has since licensed SSA and granted them their air operator certificate before giving them designated carrier status for flights to Khartoum.

South Supreme, according to information received from Juba, seeks to lease B737-300 aircraft for the flights to Khartoum and other destinations in East Africa, probably cognizant of the fact that Antonov aircraft do not enjoy the best of reputation in the region.

Meanwhile hangs the fate of the proposed national airline for South Sudan in the balance as a key partners, Turkey’s AtlasJet, apparently pulled out of the joint venture talks, leaving yet another airline project in South Sudan in limbo.

After a period of mutual isolation spurred by hostile acts from Khartoum which included threats to block the crucial oil pipeline for South Sudan’s oil exports, have the two sides apparently eased their positions following a bilateral meeting last week between the two presidents. Happy Landings to crews and passengers.