Aviation companies and subcontracting in the civil aviation sector: a complex relationship
The civil aviation sector is a strategic area that relies in part on outsourcing. However, a recent working session between the Director General of the private sector outsourcing regulatory authority, the Honorable Miguel Kashal Katemb, and the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority revealed some gray areas and tensions in this relationship.
Indeed, aviation companies seem to oppose the controls initiated by the ARSP (regulatory authority for subcontracting) aimed at guaranteeing compliance with subcontracting rules in the sector. The Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority underlined that these controls are nevertheless necessary and regulatory: “I cannot accept that an airline opposes regulatory controls of civil aviation” -he declares.
It is important to remember that subcontracting concerns all sectors of the national economy, including aviation. Activities such as Catering and Handling, which include aircraft ground handling and on-board maintenance, are often carried out by subcontracting companies. This collaboration is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the civil aviation sector.
However, Congolese subcontractors in the civil aviation sector complain of non-compliance with the law on subcontracting on the part of aviation companies. Indeed, contrary to international practices, where related activities are entrusted to subcontracting companies, Congolese aviation companies carry out these activities themselves, thus jeopardizing the subcontracting companies.
Faced with this situation, the Honorable Miguel Kashal Katemb undertakes to intervene personally and to ask the competent authorities of the transport sector to enforce the rules of subcontracting. Meetings with the highest aviation authorities are already planned to find solutions to this problem.
It is imperative to emphasize that the creation of a middle class is a major challenge for the development of the country, as underlined by the Director General of the civil aviation authority. The civil aviation sector offers many employment and economic development opportunities, especially for young people trained in the field of civil aviation.
In conclusion, the relationship between aviation companies and outsourcing in the civil aviation sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo presents challenges and tensions. Balancing the interests of aviation companies with compliance with outsourcing rules is key to fostering fair and sustainable economic growth in the country.