Okayama Air Service Suspended for Maintenance Violations

The Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau’s Osaka office has imposed a 60-day suspension on Okayama Air Service for certified maintenance inspections. The penalty follows revelations of improper maintenance practices, some of which reportedly date back 22 years.

The investigation began after an incident on October 22, when the right engine of a Beech 58 malfunctioned shortly after takeoff, forcing the aircraft to return to Okayama. A subsequent inspection by the Osaka Civil Aviation Bureau uncovered significant non-compliance with certification standards, including maintenance deficiencies and the issuance of airworthiness review certificates (ARCs) without fulfilling required inspections. The violations affected at least seven aircraft across three different types.

As part of the sanctions, the regulator has mandated a three-part business improvement program targeting the company’s safety management department. Okayama Air Service acknowledged the issues, stating, “We take this action seriously and are implementing measures to prevent recurrence. Our focus is on strengthening safety management and restoring public trust.”

Okayama Air Service operates a fleet of corporate jets, including a Citation Jet 2, Citation Jet 4, Citation Latitude, two Citation M2s, and two HondaJet Elites. Its general aviation fleet includes the Cessna 172, Cessna 206, and Beech 58. The company provides maintenance, charter, and flight school services and is a certified MRO provider for Textron Aviation.

A subsidiary of Sojitz Business Jets, Okayama Air Service is linked to ANA Business Jet and Phenix Jet, which operates Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft under U.S. and Cayman Islands certifications.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com