Sudanese flag carrier Sudan Airways has been grounded by the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The airline’s Air Operators Certificate will be revoked starting from Monday.

CAA director of safety and flight operations Mohamed Hassan al-Mujammar said that the grounding was not directly connected to the crash of Sudan Airways Flight 109 at Khartoum International Airport, which has 30 confirmed fatalities. However, he did say that the airline said it was unable to make urgent improvements suggested by the CAA in a safety audit last month because they were too preocupied with dealing with the disaster’s aftermath.

“It is high time to stop this type of non-compliance with international standards,” said Mujammar.

Sudan Airways now has one month in which to appeal the decision or make the requested improvements. The airline had prevously complained of trouble acquiring spare parts and pilot training because of sanctions imposed by the United States on Sudan. The airline says even parts for European-manufactured Airbus planes are affected.

The airline operates mainly routes in the Middle East and the Gulf.

source: wikinews.org

American comedian George Carlin has died at the age of 71 after suffering heart failure.

Carlin was taken to the Saint John’s Health Center located in Santa Monica, California after he experienced chest pains and died in the early evening.

Carlin has made several HBO specials and nearly two dozen comedy albums. He has also appeared in several movies such as Dogma. He was also the first host for the television show Saturday Night Live which premiered in 1975.

Carlin also suffered from cocaine and marijuana addictions throughout his life and was self-admitted to a rehab clinic in 2004.

source: wikinews.org