News

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Air Services Unit scooped the Airbus “Customer Focus Group” award at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held in Muscat in the Middle East’s Oman. The SANParks team was recognised for being the most unique operator and was the only African representative in this African/Middle Eastern conference.

SANParks Air Services’ Chief Pilot, David “Black Hawk” Simelane received the award in person at the conference of aviation practitioners who engaged in dialogue on industry issues such as strategies, safety and compliance management. Simelane used the occasion to highlight the critical role of SANParks Airwing unit as part of reaction teams on the ground operating in vast areas within national parks.

The SANParks Airwing forms part of the Area Integrity Management unit, whose main objective is to establish and better coordinate safety and security within SANParks. They are part of anti-poaching teams whose duties include working hand in hand with rangers as well as the dog units (K9).

The unit performs other vital conservation activities by working closely with specialists such as veterinarians and scientists on projects such as census and dehorning operations.