South Sudan's Elinana takes the rein at regional aviation agency

John Woja Elinana, the Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA), has officially taken the helm as Chairman of the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA). This significant appointment positions South Sudan at the forefront of regional aviation safety initiatives, replacing Emile Arao, the outgoing Director General of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Elinana's leadership comes at a pivotal moment as South Sudan actively seeks to solidify its standing within the broader East African aviation framework.

During his tenure leading the SSCAA, Elinana spearheaded several key reforms aimed at modernizing South Sudan's aviation sector. These initiatives include concerted efforts to operationalize the Juba Flight Information Region, a move that grants South Sudan full sovereign control over its national airspace. Furthermore, his leadership has overseen substantial upgrades at Juba International Airport, the strategic deployment of advanced safety and navigation equipment, and the implementation of new regulations designed to align the nation's aviation practices more closely with international ICAO standards.

EAC-CASSOA, headquartered in Entebbe, Uganda, serves as the central coordinating body for aviation safety and security oversight across the East African Community member states. The agency is instrumental in guiding the regional harmonization of aviation rules, standardizing training protocols, and ensuring robust inspection regimes. As Chairman, a role that rotates annually among member states, Elinana has articulated a clear agenda: prioritizing enhanced cooperation among member nations to bolster regulatory oversight and collectively elevate the region's overall safety record. His 12-month term is expected to focus on these critical areas, reinforcing the commitment to a secure and efficient East African airspace.