By Morris Aron

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is on the spot for its failure to advise Kenya Airways over waivers on some operational security requirements.

As a report into the Kenya Airway’s crash in Cameroon 2007 was released on Wednesday, it emerged that the lapse on the part of KCAA may see the national carrier pay higher insurance premiums.

Findings of a report of the crash indicate that chances of the crash occurring could have been averted, or significantly reduced, had Kenya Airways implemented to the later the accident prevention system.

From left, Kenya Airways CEO Titus Naikuni, acting Transport Minister Amos Kimunya and Transport PS Cyrus Njiru when releasing the report. Photo: Kibera Mbugua/Standard

"KCAA failed to point out that Kenya Airways did not take into account the different appreciations of the captain and the co-pilot during their evaluations by the company flight instructors," said the report.

"A number of operational procedures listed in the company’s operational manual were deviated from by the crew..."

Key among the concerns include the waiver of experience requirement for some of the pilots even after KQ signed to become part of international air travel agreements in 2007.

Prior to the flight, KCAA had waived the need for the co-pilot to have an experience of at least 150 flight hours, and three months of flight experience as laid down in the Kenya Airways operational manual provided by KCAA in line with international agreements.

"A waiver for requirement for utilisation of Flight Operations System had been introduced to satisfy operational demand," the report shows.

"These waivers were granted without adequate study on its safety implication."

Following the hitch, Kenya Airways is now staring at huge insurance premiums to cover its customers against accidents following revelations that the airline’s flight 507 crash had an element of human error. This move is likely grow the airline’s expenses and reduce profitability.

Experts say that a worst-case scenario may see Kenya Airways pay directly for compensation claims if the insurance provider cites the negligence clause on the part of the national carrier.

"If there is an element of human error as the report says, Kenya Airways may be in big trouble as it may be interpreted as negligence on its part on staff training and duties," said Peter Simani, an aviation lawyer.

"Another scenario is that of higher insurance premiums in future negotiations due to perceived risks as a result of the findings," he says.

Experts are, however, pointing at bigger underlying labour issues at Kenya Airways.

Few enforcement personnel and a laxity in implementing regulations are some of issues that should be addressed.

"KCAA will have to be strict in providing an implementing schedule as to how airlines recruit, train and promote their pilots and co-pilots but at the same time extend such programmes to their cabin crew," said Mr Simani.