UAE signs agreement with ICAO to establish national aviation institutions

On the margins of a global conference held by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 15 - 20 September 2008 in Montreal to address aviation economics, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, signed agreements with ICAO to establish two significant national aviation institutions.

The two institutions are fully recognized and endorsed by the world's most prestigious aviation body.

"Our achievements today signal a new era in building national institutions that are necessary to advance, promote and protect the national aviation interests of the UAE. The unprecedented growth of our aviation sector and massive investments in the physical infrastructure require intellectual and policy platforms to protect and advance the objectives of our aviation industry."

Said Al Suwaidi.

"In less than one year since its election to the Council of ICAO, the UAE has established itself as a leading and visionary State inside this organization that represents the world's aviation community. These achievements are a win-win situation for the UAE, the region and international aviation," said Dr. Taieb Cherif, ICAO's Secretary General.

"The two Institutions include the UAE based, Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS). The first will serve as a think tank for aviation policy in partnership with ICAO, UAE aviation stakeholders, and key players in the international aviation community including industry associations. GCAS will further serve, as an advanced learning, studies and training institution in the fields of air transport, policy, safety, security, technology and education," said Jalal Haidar, Representative of the UAE to ICAO and an architect of this initiative.

"Today, we can feel proud about the achievements of our country in the field of civil aviation. These achievements reflect the vision of our leaders who are guiding us to a better and institutional nation building." Added Al Suwaidi

The second Centre is the latest addition to the Global Aviation Security Training Network of ICAO. As the newest member of this Network, the Centre will serve as a regional institution for aviation security awareness, training, research, conferences and symposia.

This move further establishes the UAE as a regional and international player in the development of aviation security, utilizing ICAO Standardized aviation security training curriculums, materials and programs.

Trainees will include law enforcement, police and aviation security officials from the UAE, Region and beyond.

Al Suwaidi held meetings with key delegations to ICAO, including the European Commission, African Civil Aviation Commission, aviation officials from the United States, Canada, Brazil and IATA to discuss future cooperation in a wide variety of aviation disciplines.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the General Civil Aviation Authority and senior officials from ICAO.