Fifth meeting of the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Air Worthiness Programme in the Gulf States sub-region

COSCAP-GS is a programme in cooperation and partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The meeting was chaired by H.E Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA and included senior representatives from the Civil Aviation Authorities of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE as well as representatives of ICAO's Regional Office, General Directorate of Civil Aviation (France), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airbus, European Academy for Aviation Safety (EAFAS) and representatives of airlines operating in the region.

COSCAP-GS is managed by a steering committee that represents all member States and partners, notably, Bahrain, Oman, and UAE. Membership in COSCAP-GS is open to all GCC States.

The Committee is a platform established to address all aspects of aviation safety and security with an objective of promoting cooperation, unification and the harmonisation of regulations, policies and procedures to achieve best practices within the region.

Topics discussed included an agreement to form a gulf regional aviation safety team (GRAST) which will include additional participants from member States, regional airlines, manufacturers, international bodies, as well as other civil aviation authorities.

The GRAST will work within the framework of the Global Safety Roadmap in accordance with the Abu Dhabi Aviation Safety Resolution in January 2008. The aim is to focus on regional accident rates.

'Our fundamental objective should always be to protect our passengers, crew members, aircraft, navigational facilities, ground personnel, the general public and most importantly to avoid and prevent possible disruption to our air transport movements in a constantly changing and unpredictable threat environment,'

said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA.

He added: 'In meeting this objective there are numerous emerging challenges for Authorities responsible for Aviation in the States, not to mention the impact of the enormous industry growth being experienced across the region. By working together we will achieve safe, secure and efficient aviation sector.'

'The regional harmonization of regulations in order to have mutual recognition of licenses, certifications and services provided by the member states is one of the priorities of COSCAP-GS,' said Saif Al Suwaidi.

All participants expressed their commitment to ensuring that aviation safety and security remain their highest priority and Member States reconfirmed their commitment to remain at the leading edge of international civil aviation.