Namibia Logistic Association asks if Paragon is regulated by EU

Staff Reporter

THE Namibia Logistic Association (NLA) has raised concerns with the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regarding Paragon Investment Holdings’ adherence to international regulations.

The Association has inquired whether Paragon has obtained the Regulated Agents Certification (RA3 certification) mandated by EU regulations and if they have complied with ground-handling regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization Agency (ICAO) before August 18, 2023.

According to the NLA, its members are now confronted with increased costs, higher risks, uncertainties, and insurance liabilities. The NLA is seeking clarification from the Authority to inform its members and address the significant risks they are currently facing.

The Association has sought specific information from the NCAA. Firstly, they are questioning whether Paragon’s ground-handling services, under Paragon Investment Holdings, have undergone the requisite audits by international aviation companies, as mandated by EU regulations, before August 18, 2023. Additionally, the NLA is inquiring whether the NCAA conducted assessments of Paragon’s warehouse facilities and screening equipment before the specified date. Lastly, the NLA is aiming to ascertain whether the Namibian Airport Company (NAC) informed the NCAA about the eviction of Menzies Aviation, scheduled for August 19, 2023.

Menzies Aviation had been offering ground handling services at the airport since 2014 until April 2022 when the contract was awarded to Paragon Investment. In response, Menzies contested the NAC’s decision in court, which resulted in legal proceedings. However, the higher court rejected Menzies’ appeal, leading to their eviction over the weekend and the transfer of operations to Paragon.