News: The challenges of subcontracting in the civil aviation sector
In the civil aviation sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the issue of subcontracting raises many tensions and concerns. Indeed, Congolese subcontracting companies deplore the non-compliance with the law on subcontracting by aviation companies which themselves carry out subcontracting activities, thus violating the regulations in force.
According to professionals in the sector, contrary to international standards applied in the United States and Europe, where related activities are entrusted to subcontracting companies, aviation companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo provide the handling themselves. , i.e. aircraft ground handling operations and maintenance on board aircraft while parked.
This practice jeopardizes local subcontracting companies, which risk disappearing due to this unfair competition. Michel Tshefu of African Transport Systems says: “We are in danger of disappearing because of non-compliance with the law on subcontracting. Handling and related activities in airports are subcontracting activities, governed by the texts from IATA and Civil Aviation of Congo”.
Faced with this situation, the director general of the regulatory authority for subcontracting in the private sector, Miguel Kashal Katemb, made a commitment to get personally involved in ensuring compliance with the law and the rules applicable to outsourcing. Steps have also been taken to organize a working session with the authorities governing the aviation sector in order to find solutions and preserve the balance between the various parties.
The challenge of subcontracting in the civil aviation sector therefore goes beyond economic and commercial issues. It is also a question of justice and respect for the regulations in force. Aviation companies should not carry out subcontracting activities themselves to the detriment of specialized companies, but rather collaborate with them in compliance with the laws in place. This will help preserve the fairness and economic viability of the entire sector.
It is therefore essential to raise awareness among all stakeholders and put in place concrete measures to ensure that outsourcing in civil aviation is regulated and respected. This will not only contribute to the protection of subcontracted companies, but also to the overall improvement of the aviation sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo