Airbus Industrie Fire Protection Systems Chief for Dubai event

Klaus Schmoetzer, Airbus Industrie's Head of Fire Protection Systems, is to address the conference, which will run in half day sessions from April 27-29 2003 at the Airport Expo Dubai.

'This is a crucial issue for the aviation industry,' said Neil Wallington, AFSI consultant. 'There are substantial challenges in ensuring safety, particularly in an evacuation scenario for an aircraft with two levels carrying over 550 people. We anticipate this address will be a 'world first' for the airline industry.'

The AFSI Fire & Rescue Conference will also hear from the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Hong Kong Fire Service, Ken Tong who will outline Hong Kong's aircraft sea rescue capability following the opening of the new Chek Lap Kok international airport.

'In particular Ken will concentrate on plans for dealing with an incident such as an aircraft coming down in water,' said Wallington.

Speakers from Europe, the Far East, the USA and the Middle East are to address the conference, which will also feature operational case studies.

Additional speakers include: Captain Brian Boucher, a sub-committee member of the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), the USA's regulatory body for fire and safety; Mark Conroy, also of the NFPA.

'Captain Boucher, an Air Canada pilot, who has personal experience of an onboard fire incident, will address 'Effective Communications During An Aircraft Emergency' while Mark Conroy will outline to delegates the latest techniques for fire safety during aircraft refuelling,' explained Wallington.

Among case studies to be aired is one on the Korean Air 747 Cargo Crash which occurred at the UK's Stansted Airport in December 1999.

'This is a particularly valuable case study as the aircraft was carrying hazardous materials and posed a considerable threat to rural Essex,' said Wallington. The Korean Air case study will be delivered by Divisional Officer Tim Hinds of the Essex Fire & Rescue Service.

In a second case study, Richard Radford, the Fire Advisor to the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai will deal with the Aeroflot fire incident which happened at Dubai International in September last year.

'This is a conference of international standing and one which we anticipate will attract world-wide attention,' said Clive Richardson, CEO, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which is organising AFSI. 'In today's changing aviation scenario there are new fire and security challenges. The needs of the international aerospace sector differ enormously from other industries and AFSI is one of only a few events in the world which serves them.'

Neil Wallington, the conference consultant is one of the world's leading fire-fighting experts. He's a former UK Chief Fire Officer, government advisor on fire service issues and International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers. Wallington holds the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct for his leadership in a major London hotel blaze incident and La Croix de Chevalier Est Accordee for services in the cause of international fire brigade relationships.

During AFSI delegates at the Fire & Rescue Conference will have the chance to visit the Dubai International Airport Fire Service's 'Live Fire Training Simulator.'

'Delegates will be given a live fire demonstration and practical demos of other aviation fire and rescue equipment,' said Wallington.

The Fire & Rescue Conference is part of a dual-congress at AFSI. The second conference will deal with aviation security issues.