ZestAir resumes operations

MANILA, Philippines - Budget airline Zest Airways Inc. is back in business three days after being suspended by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) due to safety concerns.

CAAP deputy director general John Andrews said they lifted the suspension of the Airline Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of ZestAir Monday evening after the carrier managed to comply with all six safety issues raised by aviation aircraft inspectors.

“The suspension order on the AOC has been lifted,” Andrews said in a text message.

He pointed out that airworthiness inspectors of the CAAP’s Flight Standards Inspectorate Service (FSIS) had cleared the carrier’s three aircraft. ZestAir’s other aircraft are still being inspected, he said.

“As of now three aircraft have been released for flight. Other aircraft inspected requires closure on some open items, and will be cleared once closed,” Andrews added.  – Lawrence Agcaoili, Rudy Santos