Committee leaders evaluate progress in implementing Global Aviation Safety Roadmap

"It is our primary focus to create an active working strategy that promotes higher aviation safety initiatives through the combined efforts of regulators, industry professionals, manufacturers and stakeholders," said Saif al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA.

Al Suwaidi addressed members countries on the progress and challenges faced following the first year of implementing the Aviation Safety Roadmap. Ensuring equal regional representation, the Middle East Safety Team will be co-chaired by both governments and industry experts on a rotational calendar thereby increasing involvement and including broader viewpoints.

The resolutions following the summit hosted in 2008 in Abu Dhabi received strong support from leading global aviation councils including the ICAO, FSF, EASA and others.

Suwaidi added, "Both regional and global heads of aviation recognise the challenges aviation departments face during a period of widespread growth and expansion. The necessity of ensuring sufficient numbers of aviation professionals on hand, changing cultural protocol systems, preparing to adopt and include the latest in aviation technology and larger aircrafts, channelling commercial and military air traffic are just a few among primary concerns a rapidly developing region like the GCC faces."

It was agreed during the summit to focus on ensuring the highest air safety protocol, systems, safety management programs and standards, and collaborative strategy that aims to make air safety management in the Middle East a paradigm for other countries to follow.

The Aviation Safety Roadmap is a collaborative strategy designed by the ISSG to identify weaknesses and recommend enhancements in air safety. The members of the ISSG include the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); International Air Transport Association (IATA); Airport Council International (ACI); International Federation of Airlines Pilots Association (IFALPA); Flight Safety Foundation (FSF); Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO); and aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, all of whom were represented at the Summit.