CAAB makes a big catch
Mosinyi to restore stability at the regulator
Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana ( CAA) has hired a substantive Chief Executive Officer ( CEO), Dr. Bao Mosinyi, Botswana Guardian has reliably learnt.
What is not coming out clear is the exact date in which he will start work in his native land. Given his impressive Curriculum Vitae, work experience and performance abroad, he is seen as the right person to restore stability and make the regulator more self- sustainable.
Mosinyi comes at a time when CAAB has experienced a loss of 98 percent while its operating costs have gone up, while traffic is very low. In line with IAATA standards, CAAB is still expected to do maintenance, keep the lighting system of the runway on at all times, and have staff at the control tower on duty around the clock. Adding to the burden is the fact that almost all tenants at Sir Seretse Khama Airport are closing shop. So far CAAB makes money through taxing aircraft in Botswana’s airspace. A Motswana from Kalamare, Mosinyi is one of the biggest catches that Botswana government has ever made in recent times as he is also among those well sought after. He got his work experience abroad working for reputable multinational aerospace companies. Mosinyi has a broad aviation experience having worked at major airlines such ( ATA Airlines), aviation regulatory body ( Federal Aviation Administration), aircraft manufacturer ( Airbus), aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, as well as various consulting engagements on aircraft structural analysis and certification for close to two decades. He is also an author of world read publications. He has extensive experience leading engineering and commercial teams in aviation/ aerospace and oversight of multimillion- dollar projects and budgets. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy - Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics ( Drexel University), Master of Business Administration from the Fuqua school of Business, Duke University ( USA), Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering ( Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University), Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He is currently working for aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney as an Associate Director – 24/ 7 Value Stream Operations Support, a position he held since 2018, having previously held the position of Senior Manager – Commercial Engines Warranty, where he managed among others multimillion Dollar reserve for aircraft engine warrantees, guarantees and customer airline commercial support programmes. Pratt & Whitney are rated amon the world’s largest passenger aircraft engine manufactures along the lines with Rolls Royce and General Electric ( GC). Word reaching Botswana Guardian is that after negotiating back and forth over a long time both parties have reached an agreement and Mosinyi was offered to start work on 1st April 2021, but cannot start until the last half of the year as he has some contractual obligations to meet.
Negotiations between the parties have been ongoing since October 2020. Both CAAB and Mosinyi were not in a position to deny or confirm.
Mosinyi told this publication that he remains a committed employee of Pratt & Whitney and owes his allegiance to the company. However, he confirmed having received at some stage, an offer from the Botswana government, but that nothing concrete has been reached. CAAB spokesperson, Modipe Nkwe said, “I am not aware if anybody has been offered the position. Our understanding at CAAB is that a candidate has been found, but the appointing authority is the Minister of Transport and has not communicated anything to us”. However, Minister Thulaganyo Segokgo recently reported to parliament during question and answer sessions that a candidate has been found.