ATNS SOC Limited has noted, with concern and dismay, reports and allegations about ‘a nationwide ATNS radar systems failure’, from several sources since the Tygerberg aircraft accident was reported.

We would like to state that these allusions, in the absence of a solid and independent investigative report, are misleading, speculative and lack substance.

All airports, including Cape Town International are operating normally. As we mentioned yesterday, delays experienced were as a consequence of a technical glitch, which has since been remedied, that resulted in our slot coordination system (sequencing of departures and arrivals) being affected.

We would like to firmly restate that according to standard International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) protocols and procedures, all aircraft-related incidents and accidents are investigated by an aviation authority of a member state.

The South African Department of Transport’s Aircraft Accident Investigations Unit, in consultation with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is investigating this incident.

ATNS will cooperate fully with investigating Authority by providing all the relevant and related information.

Safety in the aviation sector is not an area where compromise is permissible. In our quest to provide a safe, decent and quality aviation infrastructure and services, we are continuously improving our safety requirements, in line with international standards.

We would like to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the family and friends of all those who perished in this accident.