The General Civil Aviation Authority appoints Senior Safety Advisor

Recently, the GCAA announced a significant restructuring proposal effectively segregating the Aviation Security and Safety Department into two separate departments; namely Aviation Safety Department and the Security and Infrastructure Department. The implementation of this strategic initiative was a result of the unprecedented growth in air traffic numbers across the country with a corresponding need to maintain effective control in organizing aviation operations, aviation safety and security of the civil aviation sector.

"The GCAA is recognized as a pioneer in the region for aviation safety management and plays a significant role in introducing and enforcing the highest safety protocols for aviation safety," said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA. "To ensure the sustained maturity and safety of air operations across the country, we see the appointment of David John Chapman as crucial in developing a more comprehensive world class Aviation Safety facility at the GCAA."

Prior to his appointment at the GCAA, Chapman held the position of Group Director of the Safety Regulation Group (SRG) of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and brings with him over 30 years of experience within the aviation industry.

As regional airspaces and airports see increased international presence, the UAE looks to ascertain the best in safety procedures for all air operations conducted through all of the country's aviation departments.

"I look forward to the challenges and experience my new role at the GCAA will offer. In many ways the nature of my responsibility will mirror the challenges faced while I was part of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, however there are certainly new dynamics relevant to the region that will provide new opportunities for both myself and the organization to further mature in the vast area of aviation safety," commented Chapman.

Chapman added:

"The GCAA places paramount importance on aviation safety and its success is reflected through the excellent track record the country has maintained over the years across all segments of air operations. However, the region is relatively young despite the boom in economic growth that resulted in the success of high air traffic numbers and rapid expansion plans. Maintaining a high degree of flight safety and maturing existing safety procedures will continue to be a primary focus in order to sustain these strong levels of growth."

Part of Chapman's role will include application of better regulation principles ensuring, through strategic oversight, an optimum balance between safety value and cost of regulation.

"Through new regulatory and cost effective safety systems, the UAE hopes to influence and guide the development of the Middle East's aviation safety and regulatory systems," concluded Suwaidi.