The suspension imposed on Sarawakian air transport company Hornbill Skyways, whose two helicopters had crashed over three months, was lifted today.

In a press statement, Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy said he had asked the director of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to revoke the suspension after studying a report submitted by the company.

"Basically, Hornbill Skyways was found to have qualified and competent manpower to operate and maintain their helicopters.

"However, there are findings made in the report that need to be addressed by Hornbill Skyways," he said without elaborating on what these were.

Recommendations issued

He said the DCA has issued recommendations to the company to that effect and the company has pledged to carry them out.

"Compliance with the recommendations shall be verified by DCA periodically," he added.

Hornbill Skyways was slapped with the suspension on Sept 3 and the DCA was then directed to immediately investigate its operations.

In the first crash on July 12 involving a Bell 206 helicopter, seven people were killed. Among them were Sarawak Assistant Minister Dr Judson Tagal, Padawan Muncipal Council chairperson Lawrence Th'ng and Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation (Sesco) chief executive Roger Wong.

On Sept 3, another Bell 206 helicopter belonging to the company crashed, killing all four on board.

Hornbill Skyways is owned by the Sarawak state government.