




MINUTES OF BARSA MEETING # 223
HELD AT JEDDAH HILTON HOTEL
ON 11 APRIL 2006 (13 R. AWWAL 1427)
BARSA
General Secretary Dr Ayed Al-Amri opened the meeting on behalf of BARSA
Chairman Dr Omar Jefri who was indisposed due to other exigencies. He
introduced the new members from LH/FG/EK/GF/MS, warmly welcomed the
participants and touched upon the major agenda items for discussion. The
following deliberations took place:
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1. |
GDS ABUSE COSTS
This subject reintroduced by GF was recognized as a very
important element impacting contemporary airline business.
SQ elaborated on their joint experience with six carriers
and expressed willingness to share the "best practices"
developed and implemented by them for the benefit of BARSA.
Dr Ayed enquired about the common practices adopted in
different regions for effective handling of this issue. EK
stated that debiting the travel agencies for generating
passive segments was being used as a very potent tool in UAE,
Kuwait, Muscat and Sana'a, and requested SV to take the lead
as the national carrier in inducing all carriers to
introduce penalties to travel agents for passive segments.
It was the consensus to arrive at solid recommendations for
common adoption by reactivating the Passive Segments
Subcommittee lead by AF which had made some headway earlier
and unfortunately the focus was lost due to other
intervening subjects. AF feels that late cancellations and
noshows also should be linked to this subject.
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2. |
FINES IMPOSED DURING HAJJ 1425H
MS brought up this issue as applied unilaterally by the
authorities giving no choice for the airlines although the
matter could be appealed to the Governor of Makkah. FG added
that experience is even worse because of the huge amount
deducted directly from their bank guarantee deposit. It was
felt that the concerned airlines should be first asked for
explanation and fines should be imposed only in the absence
of satisfactory explanation. It was suggested that appeal by
BARSA on behalf of the airlines will be more effective. Dr
Ayed suggested that MS and FG could take up the matter
jointly with the Civil Aviation Authorities.
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3. |
REDUCTION OF IATA COMMISSION IN KSA
Members emphasised the need for following the general
industry trend by further reduction from 7% to 5%. Dr Ayed
said that SV will exert their best influence to persuade all
concerned in KSA to come in line by the end of this year. It
was pointed out that markets like Egypt, Kuwait and Oman
have already introduced 0%.
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4. |
YIC
Mr Mohammed Assiri of SV announced that the next YIC meeting
will be convened soon and requested all airlines to abide by
the agreed fares. AF suggested sticking to the previous
commitment or meeting again for summer season. QR commented
that the indirect operators are keener on yield improvement
than direct operators and that the YIC efforts will not be
successful without the total support of SV the national
carrier. QR added that the YIC efforts are more critical for
the low seasons as higher fares are applied during the high
seasons. Dr Ayed said that constructive suggestions from
carriers based on their home/region experience would make
the YIC initiatives more effective. It was suggested to hold
the next YIC meeting by the end of April 2006.
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5. |
AOC MATTERS
MS brought up the problem of security procedures and
crowding at the counters at JED airport. TK queried about
the use of Hajj Terminal for peak Umrah season. It was
pointed out that such use will be from Rajab and has
implications for deploying additional staff from various
government departments. Dr Ayed said that most of these
problems will be automatically smoothed out by the JED
Airport Expansion Project and further dialogue could be
arranged with the concerned technical team.
RUH AOC Chairman reported successful overall coordination
with the authorities for problem-solving.
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6. |
OTHER TOPICS
QR pointed out that high variance exists in the baggage
allowance application by different airlines which should be
standardized. It was suggested to take up this matter under
the umbrella of YIC.
SQ stated that the performance of the Cargo Yield Committee
is not satisfactory. Dr Ayed said that the concerned
committee's feedback will be sought for the next meeting.
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7. |
SUBSCRIPTION DUES
The BARSA Treasurer Mr Abdo Abi Allam requested all
defaulting member airlines to expedite payment of their
subscription dues in order to facilitate and support the
BARSA activities.
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8. |
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be scheduled in the first week of June
2006.
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The
meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere and was closed with a
prayer break and
lunch.
BARSAMNTS223
From :
President of Civil Aviation
To :
Saudi Arabian Airlines
All Airlines and General Sales Agents in the Kingdom
All Ground Handling Service
Providers
All Travel Agencies at KSA
Subject:
Rules and Regulations Governing the
Carriage of Pilgrims by
Air (Year – 1426-27H/2005--06G)
Introduction:
Every year,
approximately (1,500,000) pilgrims travel by air to the Holy Places in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is to use
all possible efforts and measures to facilitate the proper atmosphere and
provide for the pilgrims convenience and safety in conformity to Article
(24) of the Fundamental Government Regime issued by the Royal Decree (A/90)
dated 27/8/1412H, which states that “The Government is obliged to improve
and modernize the infrastructure and facilities of the two Holy Mosques and
provide quality services and security for the sake of the Guests of Allah in
order to perform their Hajj and Umrah safely.
In light of the
instructions of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness
Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Aviation
and General Inspector all governmental and private sectors function together
to ensure pilgrims convenience and safety in both in-bound and out-bound
phases. Since airports are the starting point to serve the traveling
pilgrims, the Presidency of Civil Aviation has made the necessary
arrangements for pilgrims starting from the embarkation process to the
disembarkation and acting side-by-side with the rest of the governmental
systems.
In accordance with the
leadership’s directives to offer the pilgrims, who are the “Guests of God”,
the best services and to provide them with all attention and convenience to
enable them to fulfill their religious duties with ease and in comfort and
return to their countries safely, PCA, together with other concerned
national and government agencies, has the responsibility and honor to
implement the following directives. PCA undertakes to make the necessary
arrangements to receive these pilgrims arriving by air at KAIA, their first
point of arrival in the Kingdom.
On basis of higher
authority directives, these rules and regulations are formulated to organize
the air transport operations to serve the pilgrims and further to ease and
simplify procedures related to their arrival and departure in a safe, secure
and regular fashion.
The regulations
stipulate the procedures and actions required for submission of operation
requests as well as the measures regulating these applications. It also
includes flight scheduling, slot allocation and other related approvals.
Moreover, it contains the basic operational and safety requirements need to
be fulfilled for obtaining the required operation permission.
These rules and
regulations also define the technical measures and operational provisions
applied on all flights either operated by an aircraft fully owned by the air
carrier or a leased aircraft.
However, other
technical measures and additional provisions are incorporated to regulate
other air carrier only operating (Charter) Hajj flights. Safety standards,
general rules and more provisions are provided to define the scope of air
operation as well as the commensurable fines to be imposed against the
occurrence of any violation.
Consideration is given
in compliance with the Chicago Conventions rules and principles together
with other international treaties, other issued governmental instructions
and relevant bilateral air transport agreements concluded between the
Kingdom and other States, as well as the contents of the Kingdom (AIP)
related to air operation instructions.
To meet the above
objectives, PCA in coordination with other related entities are looking
forward to maintaining a safe regulated air traffic flow, smooth passenger
processing and most importantly to avoid over-capacity pressure on KAIA
facilities.
To ensure the
smoothness and efficiency of Hajj air traffic and other services, PCA has
undertaken to authorize a certain number of Hajj flights per hour,
distributed evenly throughout each 24-hour period. The flight schedules, as
outlined in the following instruction, submitted by the airlines will result
in slot allocations being assigned for each flight for both the inbound and
outbound phases.
A review of previous
Hajj traffic operations has shown that certain procedural and operational
changes are necessary. Therefore the 1426/2005 Regulations and Rules of
Pilgrims Air Transportation include all necessary arrangements to secure the
return of pilgrims to their respective home countries. Fines shall be
imposed on the air carrier in case of violation.
Compliance with the
regulations is mandatory and any air carrier must conform to the outlined
rules, otherwise appropriate measures and penalties shall be imposed against
the violator. Air carriers may be subjected to final exclusion and
discontinuance of its operation to and from the Kingdom in the future, if
non-compliance with on time returning of Hajj passengers is observed or in
cases of failure to submit the required passengers manifest.
In this regard, PCA
circulates to all concerned parties these rules and regulations for the year
1426/2005-06 Hajj program that define the scope of responsibility of Hajj
air carrier, their general sales agencies in the Kingdom and other charter
operated Hajj flights and handling agencies for full adherence and
compliance.
These provisions may
be implemented at King Abdulaziz International Airport and at Prince
Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport at Madinah Al-Munawarah and any other airport
declared for operation as a Relief Airports by the Government of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.
1.
Application Requirements:
1-a. Requests
for operation are to be submitted to PCA by either the air carrier which is
authorized by virtue of either a bilateral agreement provision, or a general
sales agent or by ground handling services agent or a local authorized
representative (see the attached letter of authorization) in cases of
charter operation.
1-b. ATD-101 operation form should be
filed.
1-c. Applications
are to be send to the following address:
Presidency of Civil
Aviation
Attn: Director Air Transport Department
P.O. Box 887, Jeddah 21165
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Or to: AFTN –
OEJNYAYX
Telex: 601093 CIVAIR SJ
E-mail – takabli@pca.gov.sa
1-d.
Application for obtaining the slot allocation shall be filed no later than
19 Ramadan 1426H (22 October 2005).
1-e. Application
shall be made on the appropriate approved form. Flight identification number
must contain the (3) letter airline designator in accordance with ICAO
regulations in addition to the two letters assigned by (IATA), plus (4)
digits numbered in sequence. Flight identification number is not to be
repeated for the inbound and outbound phase; flights must carry different
numbers.
1-f. Operations
requests for both inbound and outbound phases shall contain the flight
schedule (program) and each phase shall specify the date of operation.
Flight number of both arrival and departure, type of aircraft, callsign and
registration number, flight route, point of origin, destination, elapsed
time in route, and ETA/ETD (UTC time).
2.
Flight Scheduling and Slot Allocation
Procedures:
2-a.
Aircraft movement at KAIA for the inbound phase will commence as from first
of Dul Qaida1426H (03 December 2005) up to end of the 4th Dul
Hajjah 1426H (04 January 2006).
2-b. Aircraft
movement for the outbound phase will commence as from 13th Dul
Hijjah 1426H (13 January 2006) and end before 15 Moharam 1427H (24
February 2006).
2-c.
Airline/Aircraft operators shall plan and organize flight schedules to
achieve the best utilization of the specified time frame.
2-d. Prior to 15 Shawal 1426H (17
November 2005) PCA shall issue the slot number for each separate flight to
air carriers who have submitted their schedules in compliance with the
operational requirements and conditions stated in Article 3, 4 and 5 of the
regulations.
2-e. Airlines shall not operate any
flight without having obtained the approval for flights scheduled and
allocated the required slot number and obtain clearance from Air Transport
Department as well as fulfillment of all other operation conditions stated
in the instructions.
3.
Technical Measures and Conditions Governing
Air Operations Applied on all Flights:
All
airlines that operate Hajj flights, whether designated by provisions of a
bilateral agreement, or purposely for Hajj season flights, either owned or
leased aircraft, shall be subjected to the following terms and conditions.
3-a. Air
Transport Department Form (PCA-ATD/101) is to be completed in full
compliance with its contents relating to the operator, general sales and
ground service agent.
3-b.
Flight schedule approval should be obtained from PCA before commencing
operation and clearance should be obtained from Air Transport Department.
3-c. All flight
identification numbers must contain the 3-letter airline designator in
accordance with ICAO regulations in addition to the 2-letters assigned by
IATA, and four digits numbered in sequence. No flight identification number
is to be repeated in either the inbound or
outbound phase.
3-d. The air
carrier is committed to the approved arrival and departure times within an
allowance (window) plus or minus (30) minutes. Both slot and clearance
numbers must be indicated and included in Field 18 “Other Information” of
the flight plan.
3-e. Flights are
not permitted to remain at KAIA, Jeddah apron for more than two hours (on
ground time) during the inbound phase, and three hours during the outbound
phase of the Hajj period. In case of an emergency (weather condition or a
forcemajure matter), the airline concerned should report to the Airport
Authority for official confirmation and consideration.
3-f. A clear
and readable passenger manifest containing names and ID must be provided to
the Airport Authority.
3-g. All Hajj
passengers should hold a round trip confirmed reservation ticket; otherwise
the fine stipulated in the “Penalties Article” would be imposed.
3-h. Each
airline shall operate its flights as per given permission, according to
schedules submitted by the airline itself and approved by PCA, which should
contain callsign, registration number, aircraft type, date and timings of
arrival and departure.
3-i. Each
airline shall clearly specify the responsible entity for operation of a
leased aircraft and submit relevant supporting documents accordingly.
Aircraft insurance should cover third party and property liability.
3-j. If the
operation is conducted with leased aircraft, the air carrier/operator is
responsible for obtaining a written approval from the Civil Aviation
Authority of the state where the principal place of business or permanent
residence of both the air carrier and the lessor company are situated.
Provided that, in lieu of such written approval the air carrier/operator may
submit to the PCA a verified copy of the leasing contract. The lease must
contain provisions covering both the Inbound and Outbound Hajj operations
and specify joint responsibility of both the air carrier/operator and the
lessor for the return of pilgrims to their countries. The entity responsible
for the operation of the leased aircraft shall also be specified in the
lease.
3-k. Upon
preparation of Flight Plans, all Air Carriers operating pilgrimage flights
must follow preferred routes specified in Air Navigational Circulars and
Aeronautical Information Publication Annexes, which will be issued before
operation.
3-l. Letter “W”
must be added in field 10 in FPL as the sixth or seventh letter if the
aircraft and crew are authorized to operate in RVSM airspace.
3-m. Type of
flight should be marked “X” in field 8 Section “b” in accordance with Doc
4444 type of flight. Page A3-9.
3-n. Call sign
and other information in FPL must fully conform with permission request
presented to PCA.
3-o. FPL must be
printed and readable and handed to ATS 2-hours prior to departure.
3-p. In
controller pilot voice communication with all ATS units the word HAJJ must
be used all the time after the company identification and before flight
number. Ex. SVA HAJJ 1234.
4.
Technical Conditions and Requirements Pertaining to Air Safety and Standards
Which Regulate Air Operation and Applied on all Flights:
4-a. Compliance
with provisions, requirements and instructions stated in the Saudi
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and the relevant amendments and
periodical updates particularly Parts (GEN 1.2). In addition to the filing
of the operation specification in accordance to PCA/FAR Part 129 and
adhering to other relevant agreements.
4-b. Filing of Form PCA-ASSD 110-1 including all documents listed on
the back of this form (See Attachment 1). In addition to these documents a
copy of the aircraft noise certificate, the radio license and the operation
specifications issued to the operator by his state CAA, should also be
submitted. The form and the related documents will be assessed and processed
for approval as part of the operation clearance requirements. This form can
be obtained from the Air Transport Department, Aviation Standards and Safety
Department or by visiting PCA website at (http://www.pca.gov.sa/conditions/airsafety.htm).
The form and related documents have to be submitted for each aircraft. A
copy of the approved form must be carried on board the aircraft.
4-c. Form
PCA-ASSD 110-1 and the documents listed on the back must be submitted to PCA
ASSD no later than the first of Sha’aban 1426H (5 September 2005). The
package will be reviewed by ASSD and the applicant will be informed of any
missing documents within two weeks of receiving the complete package. The
applicant must submit the missing documents within two weeks to ASSD to
maintain his priority in processing the application.
4-d. The aircraft
must satisfy the airworthiness requirements of PCA/FAR Part 129 and all the
requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 6,
Volume 1. As a minimum the aircraft must have the following equipment:
-
Flight data and
cockpit voice recorders.
-
Airborne Collision
Avoidance System (ACAS/TCAS).
-
Wind shear warning.
-
Reinforced cockpit
door.
-
Enhanced Ground
Proximity Warning System (EGPWS/TAWS).
4-e. The
operator, after obtaining the approval for operations, shall coordinate with
ASSD to determine a suitable time and location for aircraft inspection by
PCA-ASSD staff based on the availability of the aircraft. The operator shall
be responsible for the transportation and daily allowance costs associated
with this inspection in accordance to the AIP Paragraph GEN 4.3-2.4.2.b.
4-f. In addition
to the above-mentioned inspections prior to arrival to the Kingdom, a
randomly selected aircraft shall be subject to further safety inspection
upon arrival. Further to the obligations mentioned in Article 33 of the
Chicago Convention, the purpose of these inspections is to verify the
validity of the relevant aircraft documentation, licensing of its flight
crew, aircraft equipment and that the condition of the aircraft conforms to
the current standards and all previous inspection findings have been
rectified. When an urgent action is essential for the safety of the aircraft
operation, PCA will immediately suspend the operating authorization of the
aircraft until a corrective action is taken. Violation of the airworthiness
or operating requirements will be subject to fines according to the PCA
approved table of sanctions.
4-g. Each pilot
must be familiar with applicable rules, navigational and communication
facilities, air traffic control and the Kingdom’s AIP. The pilot should be
able to communicate in the English language.
Important PCA Requirements:
-
It
will be Operator’s responsibility to ascertain that proper navigation
equipment and charts are carried on board each Aircraft at all times.
-
Your
operations will be conducted in accordance with the applicable PCA
regulations (US Federal Aviation Regulations Part 129) and PCA
requirements in the PCA – AIP and applicable Airworthiness Guides.
-
Please submit to PCA Air Transport Department this form with the
original Company Stamp affixed on the Form together with the following:
1.
PCA-ASSD Forms to be filled by the Operator.
-
PCA-ASSD 110-1 (as revised) for
each Aircraft, (Foreign Operator Authorization for Commercial Operations
within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
-
PCA-ASSD Form 206-F (as revised) for each
Aircraft, (Data Sheet for Foreign Operator Form to be stamped by Civil
Aviation Department of Aircraft Registry).
-
PCA-ASSD Form 8400-8B (as revised) Presidency
of Civil Aviation, Aviation Safety & Standards, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(Operations Specifications), to be stamped by the operator’s civil aviation
authority.
2. Documents to be submitted by the Operator.
-
A copy of Air Operator Certificate (A.O.C.)
-
A copy of valid Certificate of Registration
for each Aircraft.
-
A copy of valid Certificate of Airworthiness
for each Aircraft.
-
A copy of valid Aircraft Insurance Certificate
covering each Aircraft.
-
A copy of Noise Certificate for each aircraft.
-
A copy of Radio License for each aircraft.
-
Original letter of undertaking (Company
Letterhead signed by authorized person and Company Stamp affixed) stating
that the Company will be fully responsible in case of violation, incident,
accident or whatsoever occurrence related to the Aircraft.
-
A copy of Aircraft lease agreement (if
applicable).
-
A copy of Contract showing an arrangement for
Aircraft Maintenance within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in case of Aircraft
out of Service. If there is no arrangement, then an appropriately rated
Mechanic must be onboard to return the Aircraft to Service.
-
Statement of Compliance with PCA/FAR 129.28
D.
A copy of PCA-ASSD 110-1
approved form shall be carried on board the Aircraft at all times and shall
be presented upon request of a Representative of the Presidency of Civil
Aviation.
-
The
Aircraft shall be inspected by the PCA upon arrival in the Kingdom on
the first Flight. The Operator’s Representative will advise PCA-ASSD
(Fax Nos. 685-5745 / 685-5142) about the date and time of arrival of the
first Flight.
-
Changes in any of the above information must be reported to the Director
of Airworthiness immediately so that the PCA Records remain accurate and
current.
Notes:
1. Approved PCA Form PCA-ASSD 110-1 (as
revised) and PCA/FAR 129 Ops Specs. Allow you to operate your Aircraft for
Commercial/Compensation purposes.
2. All information in the Documents must be in
English or the translation in English Language is certified.
3. All operators are required to subscribe to
the Saudi Arabian Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) Manual.
4. You can visit PCA Web Site for more information
concerning PCA Forms and Airworthiness Guides.
www.pca.gov.sa (Follow the dropdown menu links in
the icons)
5.
Additional Technical Conditions Applicable to Air Carriers Operating Only
Hajj Charter Flights:
In addition to the
above, an air carrier who has no regular flight operation to the Kingdom
under any of the bilateral / commercial agreements and desires to operate
Hajj flights should fulfill the following conditions:
5-a. Must submit
a Bank Financial Guarantee (a letter of credit/LC) in favor of PCA, of a
value equal to 25% of the total number of Hajj passengers multiplied by the
official rate of a
one-way ticket price as per IATA Tariff. Such a guarantee should be issued
from a national bank in the Kingdom, provided that the guarantee coverage
should be no less than (SR600,000). PCA has the right to deduct the due cost
encountered from returning the Hajj passengers whom the carrier had failed
to transport in fulfillment of its obligation, or to cover other due fines
resulting from the operation. The remaining amount of the guarantee, if any,
will be released thereafter. In the event that the operators adhere fully to
commitments and obligations, the guarantee shall accordingly be released in
full.
5-b. PCA may require a bank guarantee as
per Para. 5-a, from airline operating regular flights on commercial basis,
and committed violation at previous Hajj seasons.
5-c. The Bank
Guarantee should have a validity of six months, and will take effect
starting from the first Hajj flight operations from the 1st of
Dul-Ghaddah 1426H (03 December 2005).
5-d. No entity
other than the PCA has the right to deduct the due cost due to any
contractual disputes arising between the contracting parties.
5-e. The operator
must designate a local handling agent at Jeddah KAIA to assume the handling
responsibility of flights during both inbound and outbound phases. The agent
must maintain efficient labor and equipment to handle all flights at the
specified times. Failure to do so will lead to penalty enforcement in
accordance with Part (7-i) of the regulation.
5-f. Conduct the
necessary coordination between the national carrier “Saudia Airlines” and
operator in order to reach an agreement in respect of sharing of Hajj
traffic operation on a 50/50 basis or on a unilateral base. A copy of this
agreement must be filed to PCA for approval. Priority for carriage of Hajj
traffic should be given to the national carrier of each state.
6.
General Terms and Conditions:
6-a. All air
carriers (scheduled and charter) or their agents must submit financial bank
guarantee of an amount no less than (SR100,000) and no more than
(SR200,000), based on the number of pilgrims and operating frequency in
favor of PCA and reimbursed for the Ministry of Hajj for the purpose of
covering the accommodation expenses of pilgrims. The air carrier or its
agent is obliged to cover the value of the guarantee if any amount is
deducted to pay any expenses.
6-b. Early
submission of flight schedules, in accordance with Para (1-c) of the
regulations, will enable the operator to obtain the required favorable and
suitable times in line with its plan and pursuant to the airport capacity.
6-c. The operator
must designate a representative to assume all responsibility at KAIA with
the authority to ensure all passenger requirements can be met as a
consequence of flight delay and moreover, to follow up and maintain the air
carrier’s conformity to its commitments and obligations, e.g. securing meal
catering and accommodation according to applicable rules and regulations.
6-d. All air
carriers do not have the right to exercise any commercial traffic rights
(passenger or cargo) on Hajj empty legs during both the inbound/outbound
phases except for purposes authorized by PCA.
6-e. Full
compliance shall be maintained with the Kingdom’s applicable airports
security standards and procedures in consistency with the rules and measures
stipulated in the National Security Program for Civil Aviation as well as
other security instructions issued in this concern. Air carriers engaged in
the departure phase of Hajj transport should comply with procedures related
to passenger and baggage inspection in accordance with practiced
regulations.
6-f. The
operating requests (applications) can be filed by the travel agencies agent
once all necessary operational and safety as well as financial guarantee
requirements are fulfilled. He should also hold the following
responsibilities:
§
Provide air carriers,
which he serves, with all necessary rules and regulations, issued by the
PCA.
§
Maintain the documents
relevant to each flight for 90 days at least.
6-g. Air Carriers
are held responsible to provide special care for passengers jointly with the
local sponsor in the event of any barrier encounters the flight or delays,
or cancellation in conformity to the procedures stated in the operation
guide and rules or recommended practices of the international air transport
and Hajj transport regulations. Failure to do so will result in securing the
payment of any expenses incurred from the bank guarantee stated in Part
(6-a). Such a care should be secured as follows:
-
Refreshment after one
hour has elapsed from start of the delay.
-
Hot meal after 3 hours
has elapsed from the time of departure.
-
Accommodation for the
departing passengers on the flight after 6 hours has elapsed from the start
of the delay, as maximum limit.
-
Assistance for the
pilgrims who need special care. Such as the disabled and elderly, in
addition to securing wheel chairs and special equipment.
6-h. Air
carriers are held responsible for informing and ensuring, whether verbally
during the booking or in a written form on the air ticket, that personal
luggage and cargo of the passengers should be carried and shipped in
accordance with the permissible weight, sizes and descriptions. Oversized
luggage that hinders the check-in process will not be accepted.
6-i. Air
Carriers are held responsible for attaching Identification Tag on pilgrim’s
baggages specifying – name, nationality, passport number, air carrier and
flight number.
6-j. Air
Carriers are held responsible to distribute Immigration Cards directly to
pilgrims after departure from the point of origin and before arrival to the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate computarized registration process.
6-k. These
provisions are implemented on King Abdulaziz International Airport, Prince
Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport at Madinah and any other airports declared
for operation as a Relief Airports by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
6-l. Air
carriers must comply with the instructions and regulations issued by the
Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They shall provide all
health requirements and ensure vaccination against diseases and epidemics
pursuant to the international rules issued in this regard.
6-m. The
Presidency of Civil Aviation will take the necessary action to secure
aircraft to carry the pilgrims and their left behind luggage through the
appropriate committee if the air carrier failed to return the pilgrims and
their luggage to their final destination at the scheduled time.
6-n. Air Carriers
are not allowed to convey perishable goods and consumable products that are
brought by pilgrims for the purpose of sales and marketing within the
airport vicinity. They must abide by the customs rules and regulations in
this regard.
6-o. Upon the
occurrence of any delay in the departure, the responsible committee at the
airport operation should prepare and incident report and notify air
transport department at PCA to coordinate with the committee responsible for
the bank guarantee activation to secure an alternative aircraft.
6-p. Air Carriers
or their agents are held accountable to notify airport administration
(airport operation office) and Ministry of Hajj office branch at the airport
upon such occurrence of any incidents such as natural disasters, bad weather
condition or political disturbance which leads to closing of airports at the
point of origin. Such notifications are applied also in circumstance of
delayed departure at the points of origin or lack of securing aircraft so
that the proper coordination is made to stop the process of transporting
pilgrims to the airport.
6-q. The validity
of flights operating certificates issued by the directorate general of
safety and standard department is linked to the validity of the operating
clearances during the Hajj season. Such clearances shall not be utilized for
any other transport purposes after (14) days from the end of Hajj season.
7.
Penalties for Violation:
Compliance
with the above regulations is mandatory to ensure the safety of all
operators, air traffic and pilgrims and to maintain system efficiency.
Therefore, enforcement of these regulations is essential. Any aircraft that
does not conform to either the special specifications outline by the
Aviation Safety or the technical requirements stated in the Kingdom’s AIP,
shall be subject to final exclusion and appropriate measures and penalties
shall be taken against the operator. In the event of any violation, the
following fines shall be imposed:
7-a. A fine will be applied on any
air carrier whose flight arrives after the end of the fourth (4) day of
Dul-Hejjah 1426H (04 January 2006). The fine amounts at a rate double the
IATA published first class fare from point of origin to Jeddah per each
pilgrim on board the flight unless the pilot, the operator’s agent or
representative holds written approval from PCA indicating a date and time of
permitted landing.
7-b. All air carriers operating regular
scheduled services, boarding pilgrims and arriving after the elapsed date of
the inbound operations, the end of the fourth (4) day of Dul-Hejjah 1426H
(04 January 2006), shall be fined SR200,000 (Saudi Riyal) per flight
irrespective of the total pilgrim passengers onboard the flight.
7-c. A fine of (SR100,000) is imposed
against each aircraft enter the Saudi Airspace without prior permission. The
aircraft will be seized at the airport until such time the fine is settled
by a verified check paid to the order of PCA.
7-d. A fine not exceeding SR15,000 (Saudi
Riyal) shall be imposed on any violation of traffic flow control systems.
Any of the following practices is considered as a violation:
§
Any Hajj flight arriving without
obtaining a clearance number or a computer reservation number in the
Clearance Flight System (CFS).
§
Any unutilized authorized
reservation, for both inbound and outbound with except of:
§
- bad weather conditions or
force-majure.
§
- aircraft technical problems.
§
- emergency operational
problems.
§
- documents should be presented
in event of above cases.
§
Received passengers luggage and
leftover at airport’s yard.
7-e. A fine
amount of (SR15,000) will be imposed on any air carrier delaying the return
carriage of Pilgrims on its flight.
7-f. Any entity
involved in pilgrims transportation by air delay or fails to submit the
passenger manifest stated in para (3-f), will be subjected jointly with its
agent to a fine equal to SR10,000 (Saudi Riyal) against each trip/flight.
7-g. A fine
amount of (SR2,500) will be imposed on the air carrier with joint
responsibility of the local agent on each passenger arriving to the Kingdom
without having a confirmed reservation on the return ticket, provided that
such an imposed fine will not exceed (SR100,000) for each flight.
7-h. All carriers
as well as their agents are held responsible for implementing this
regulations and payments of fines. In absence of local sales agents for
charter carriage, the fines will be automatically deducted from the value of
the bank guarantee stated in Para (5-a).
7-i. In the
event the percentage of the left behind pilgrims reaches 2% out of the total
actual pilgrims coming on the charter flights, the operator / air carrier of
the charter operation will not be allowed to operate for one season. The PCA
has the right to suspend the operation of such operator / air carrier
totally under the condition such a violation is repeated in the next Hajj
seasons.
7-j. The PCA has
the right to imposed fines, ranging between SR10,000 – SR100,000 (not
falling under the above categorization) on any carrier that violates this
regulation or ICAO regulation as well as AIP rules.
Your cooperation and
compliance with the above regulations in both inbound/outbound phases is
solicited and will contribute greatly toward the implementation of a safe
and efficient Hajj air traffic operation.
Engr. Abdullah
M.N. Rehaimi
President of Civil Aviation