South Sudan civil aviation boss has assumed the helm of a
regional body after taking over from his Kenyan counterpart.
“The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) is proud
to announce that its Director General, John Woja Elinana, has been officially
sworn in as the Chairman of the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety
and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA) on November 14, 2025,” the agency
said in a press statement issued on Saturday.
He takes over the important regional leadership position
from Emile Arao, Director General of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),
who has served diligently as the outgoing Chair, the statement added.
Elinana will serve as Chairman of the EAC-CASSOA Board for a
12-month term, working closely with Member States to enhance safety, security,
and operational excellence across the region’s aviation sector.
In his acceptance remarks, Elinana expressed profound
gratitude to the CASSOA Board of Directors for placing their trust in him,
reaffirming his commitment to advancing regional harmonisation, regulatory
cooperation, and the shared goal of building a safer, more efficient, and
globally competitive aviation industry for all EAC Member States.
Elinana’s appointment marks a major milestone for the
Republic of South Sudan and reflects the remarkable progress and transformation
within the country’s aviation sector.
“Since assuming office as Director General, he has overseen
numerous achievements that have significantly strengthened South Sudan’s
aviation framework and enhanced its regional standing,” SSCAA said.
Key accomplishments include advancing South Sudan’s
sovereignty over its airspace through the ongoing establishment and
operationalisation of the Juba Flight Information Region (Juba FIR).
Others are overseeing major renovation and modernisation of
airport terminals to enhance passenger experience and improve international
service standards.
He is also credited with implementing comprehensive
aviation regulations aligned with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices,
thereby improving safety oversight and compliance.
His other roles include supervising the installation of
critical air navigation infrastructure, including runway lighting systems,
runway markings, and other safety-enhancing upgrades.
The SSCAA boss is also tasked with leading the
transformation of Juba International Airport through infrastructure upgrades,
operational improvements, and enhanced governance that have elevated its status
regionally.
“He also extended sincere appreciation to President Salva
Kiir Mayardit for entrusting him with the leadership of the national aviation
authority and for supporting South Sudan’s active engagement within the East
African Community.”
