Aviation News, Headlines & Alerts
 
Category: <span>ICAO</span>

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Airports Stepping Up to Prevent Spread of Zika Virus: ICAO

Airports are enhancing the pest control measures in order to prevent the spread of Zika virus, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) said in a statement on February 11.

According to the statement, “The management of the outbreak is currently focused on reducing the populations of the Aedes mosquito that transmit the virus at airports (vector control).”

The ICAO also urged the airlines to follow WHO guidelines regarding testing and use of insecticides for the airplanes.


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Thai Carriers Face Flying Ban to US

Following a 5-day audit of Thailand’s aviation safety standards, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pointed out several flaws that need to be addressed in order to continue flight service to the US.

The audit was conducted after Thailand’s DCA failed to address the concerns identified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) within the given 90-day period.

According to Thailand’s Transport Minister Prajin Juntong, the FAA has given them 65 days to fix the shortcomings and if they fail to do so, Thai carriers could face a ban on flying to the US.

The flaws identified by the FAA include shortage of qualified air safety inspectors and redundant inspection methods etc.


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MH17 Tragedy: US to Support Malaysia’s Resolution in ICAO Council

Malaysia’s Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has visited the U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in Washington DC on October 24.

In a statement released after the meeting, Liow thanked the US Government for supporting Malaysia in the aftermath of MH370 and MH17 tragedies. He announced that the US has promised to support a resolution to be put forward by Malaysia to the ICAO Council in the wake of MH17 disaster.

“Specifically the ICAO Resolution strongly reaffirms the need for all states to comply with international law that prohibits acts of violence that pose a threat to the safety of international civil aviation and stresses the importance of all states assisting with the continuation and finalisation of a full, thorough and independent international investigation into the incident…In light of these tragedies, it is clear that the international community must collaborate closely and take greater steps towards improving safety and security in civil aviation,” he said.

Liow will be attending the 203rd Session of the ICAO Council early next week in Montreal, Canada. Regarding the inputs to the ICAO Council, he said, “Malaysia intends to present its views and input to the ICAO Council, with a view towards seeking consensus on this matter…Among the matters I will put forward to the ICAO Council include the need to improve aircraft tracking by implementing real-time tracking as well as the need for sharing of information pertaining to flight risks.”


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Global Advisory Group Recommends Tough Rules to Prevent Battery Fires in Airplanes

ICAOAn advisory panel of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended strict actions for discouraging bulk shipment of lithium batteries through commercial planes.

The recommendations were published by the ICAO on October 1, after a recent meeting of the advisory group was held in Cologne, Germany, in September.

The group has also suggested to re-assess the fire detection systems in terms of their ability of respond quickly and to limit the battery shipments to cargo compartments with excellent fire-suppression capability.

In July 2010, 2 people were killed after a shipment of batteries caught fire and caused a Boeing Co 747 cargo plane, operated by United Parcel Service Inc., to crash in Dubai.


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Global Aviation Facing Critical Issues; Conclude Panelists at 20th World Routes Development Forum

Renowned panelists in the first panel discussion at the 20th World Routes Development Forum, which was held in Chicago on September 21, concluded that the global aviation industry is currently facing 5 critical challenges.

As per the results of live polling moderated by BBC World News presenter, Aaron Heslehurst, the delegates regarded infrastructure as the most critical challenge, with aviation profitability, safety/security, taxation and oil price stability being the other 4.

At the start of the session, the issue of safety and security was discussed, particularly in context of the recent incidents of MH17 and MH370. Managing director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Datuk Badlisham Ghazali appreciated the actions taken by the ICAO and other bodies in order to improve aviation safety, however, he emphasized on the need of enhanced visibility from global aviation bodies regarding the industrial developments aimed at increasing safety. Referring to MH17 tragedy, he said, “The industry needs to move forward in more visible way. Response has not been as visible as what I had hoped for.”

The issue of aircrafts flying over conflict area in eastern Ukraine was also brought up during the discussion. Thomas Windmuller, SVP airports, passenger and cargo services at IATA, asked why some airlines had the vital information not to fly while the others were not aware.

Profitability was another point of discussion in the forum and according to Windmuller, “We are in a period of sustained growth in volume, but not necessarily profitability. The number of airlines that recover their capital cost is very small… The problem is not just airlines, it is aviation. There are very few parts and components that are making big money. These include airports, and air navigation services, who do not make a profit, and do not cover their long-term capital costs.”

The delegate voting regarded Infrastructure challenges as the most serious issue being faced by the aviation industry today. The current investment in aviation infrastructure development projects vary a great deal from country to country. In some countries like China, big investments are being made for infrastructure development while in some other countries this trend is non-existent.

Trey Urbahn, the chief strategy officer of Azul Brazilian Airlines, said that the most pressing issue being faced by Brazilian aviation industry today is taxation. Giving example of Azul Brazilian Airlines, he said that 36% of the company’s profit go on taxes and that the company is working with the government to address this serious issue. He suggested that the taxation garnered should be re-invested for infrastructure development.


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#MH17 Public Statements

FROM THE FAA:

On the evening of July 17, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. flight operations until further notice, in the airspace over eastern Ukraine, due to recent events and the potential for continued hazardous activities. The restricted area includes the entire Simferopol and Dnepropetrovsk flight information regions (FIRs). This action expands a prohibition of U.S. flight operations issued by the FAA in April, over the Crimean region of Ukraine and adjacent areas of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. No scheduled U.S. airlines are currently flying routes through this airspace.

The NOTAM reads:

FDC 4/2182 (A0025/14)–null AIRSPACE SPECIAL NOTICE UKRAINE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION -SIMFEROPOL (UKFV) AND DNEPROPETROVSK (UKDV) FLIGHT INFORMATION REGIONS (FIR)

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, DUE TO RECENT EVENTS, ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS BY UNITED STATES (U.S.) OPERATORS WITHIN THE SIMFEROPOL (UKFV) AND DNEPROPETROVSK (UKDV) FIRS ARE PROHIBITED. EVENTS HAVE INDICATED THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTINUED HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES. THIS ACTION EXPANDS A PROHIBITION OF U.S. FLIGHT OPERATIONS ISSUED BY THE FAA INITIALLY AS A NOTAM ON APRIL 3, 2014, AND LATER AS SFAR NO. 113 OVER THE CRIMEAN REGION OF UKRAINE AND ADJACENT AREAS OF THE BLACK SEA AND THE SEA OF AZOV. THE PROHIBITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE SPECIFIED AIRSPACE CONTAINED IN THIS NOTAM AND THE ASSOCIATED JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS SPECIAL NOTICE WILL BE RE-EVALUATED BY 31 OCT 2014. 18 JUL 00:30 2014 UNTIL 1410312359. CREATED: 18 JUL 00:41 2014

ICAO:
ICAO Monitoring Loss of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
?The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expresses its deep regrets following the loss of the passengers and crew aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. ICAO is closely monitoring reports on this tragic incident and is coordinating with all relevant parties.

ICAO recently issued a State letter advising States and their air operators of a potentially unsafe situation arising from the presence of more than one air traffic services provider in the Simferopol Flight Information Region (FIR). The loss of MH17 occurred outside of the Simferopol FIR and ICAO stands ready to support the accident investigation upon request.

IATA


From Malaysia Airlines

Friday, July 18, 04:15 AM SGT +0800 Statement by Prime Minister Najib Razak: Malaysian Airlines flight 17
Yesterday evening, I was informed of the terrible and deeply shocking news that a Malaysia Airlines jet went down in eastern Ukraine.

Malaysia Airlines has confirmed that the jet was Malaysia Airlines flight 17, which was on a scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

The flight departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm, local time. It was scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 6.10 am, local, Malaysian time.

The aircraft was a Boeing 777-200.

The aircraft’s flight route was declared safe by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

And International Air Transportation Association has stated that the airspace the aircraft was traversing was not subject to restrictions.

Malaysia Airlines has confirmed that the aircraft did not make a distress call.

The flight was carrying a total number of 295 people – comprising 280 passengers and 15 crew members.

Malaysia Airlines is in the process of notifying the next-of-kin of the passengers and crew. All possible care will be provided to the next-of-kin.

The Government of Malaysia is dispatching a special flight to Kiev, carrying a Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, as well as a medical team.

According to information provided by Kiev Air Traffic Control, the location of the plane’s emergency locator beacon is 48 degrees 7 minutes and 23 seconds North; and 38 degrees 31 minutes and 33 seconds East.

The Ukrainian authorities believe that the plane was shot down.

At this early stage, however, Malaysia is unable to verify the cause of this tragedy.

But we must – and we will – find out precisely what happened to this flight.

No stone can be left unturned.

If it transpires that the plane was indeed shot down, we insist that the perpetrators must swiftly be brought to justice.

Emergency operations centres have been established. In the last few hours, Malaysian officials have been in constant contact with their counterparts in Ukraine and elsewhere.

And I will be speaking to a number of world leaders over the coming hours.

I have had several conversations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

I have also spoken to the President of Ukraine. He has pledged that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation, and Malaysian officials will be invited to take part.

The Ukrainian president also confirmed that his government will negotiate with rebels in the east of the country, in order to establish a humanitarian corridor to the crash site.

Just now, I received a call from President Obama.

He and I both agreed that the investigation must not be hindered in anyway.

An international team must have full access to the crash site.

And no one should interfere with the area, or move any debris, including the black box.

This is a tragic day, in what has already been a tragic year, for Malaysia.

As we work to understand what happened, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those onboard the flight.

I cannot imagine what they must be going through at this painful time.

The flight’s passengers and crew came from many different countries.

But today, regardless of nationality, we are all united in grief.

ENDS

Friday, July 18, 12:30 AM SGT +0800 Media Statement 1: MH17 Incident
Media Statement 1: MH17 Incident

Malaysia Airlines confirms it received notification from Ukrainian ATC that it had lost contact with flight MH17 at 1415 (GMT) at 30km from Tamak waypoint, approximately 50km from the Russia-Ukraine border.

Flight MH17 operated on a Boeing 777 departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm (Amsterdam local time) and was estimated to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.10 am (Malaysia local time) the next day.

The flight was carrying 280 passengers and 15 crew onboard.

More details to follow.

Ends.

Statement by Prime Minister Mark Rutte in response to the Ukraine air disaster
News item | 17-07-2014

I am deeply shocked by the dramatic reports of the air disaster involving Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukrainian territory. Much remains unclear as regards the cause and circumstances of the crash and those on board the aircraft. I have just spoken to the Ukrainian president.

I am now on my way back to the Netherlands to monitor and address the situation from The Hague.

Our thoughts are with those who were on board the aircraft and their family and friends.

Statement Minister Opstelten on flight MH17
News item | 17-07-2014

Response by Minister Opstelten the messages about the crash of flight MH17.

I am deeply shocked by the tragic news about the crash of flight MH17 from Malaysian Airlines from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukrainian territory. Here are casualties from many countries, while there are also many Dutch.

My thoughts are with all the relatives and friends of the people who were in that plane and who are now in limbo.

The images that you and I have seen are of course terrible. But still many are unclear about the facts and circumstances.

There is obviously researched. Once the situation gives cause to reveal additional information. Malaysian Airlines gives an explanation as soon as possible so I understand now.

I am aware that this research can never go fast enough, but everyone does at this time every effort to inform family and friends. As well as possible For relatives of passengers of flight MH17 is as soon as possible a phone announced by Schiphol for more information and care. Is directly communicated. Once known

Here I must leave it at that, I’m going back to be informed by my team. Closer to me

Second statement of Prime Minister Mark Rutte on flight MH17.

It has taken place in Ukraine where MH17 flight, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed. Terrible disaster On board were 283 passengers and 15 crew members. Among the passengers were at least 154 Dutch.

The worst case scenario has become reality. We are struck by one of the largest aviation disasters in Dutch history.

The Netherlands is shocked by this tragic event.

Our thoughts go out to the families, who are facing. With an intense sadness

We live very with them.

The relatives of the victims to the extent known to be informed.

There is still much uncertainty about the exact cause of the disaster.

Believe me that we are doing everything to find out. The facts as soon as possible

Also everything is being done to repatriate the deceased. Asap

Survivors and relatives of victims in a special issue of Foreign Affairs rightly. The number is: 070-3487770

There is currently a consular assistance team en route to Kiev to strengthen. NL embassy

There is also a team of the Dutch Embassy in Malaysia present at the airport in Kuala Lumpur to accommodate. Relatives there

You’ll have lots of questions, I understand very well, but many questions we can not answer at this time.

Tomorrow we hope to have more information available and you will be informed about naturally.


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Should Lithium Battery Transport be banned on Passenger jets?

The conversation about forbidding the transport of lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft is based on fire risk these batteries present. Current fire control systems cannot suppress lithium metal battery fires, but the fears are that banning the transport will result in driving the shipment “underground.” What do you think should be done?


Read More
ICAO’s Dangerous Goods Panel Proposes Ban on Lithium Batteries in Passenger Planes


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ICAO’s Dangerous Goods Panel Proposes Ban on Lithium Batteries in Passenger Planes

ICAOA recent meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP), held in Montreal, discussed the proposal for banning lithium batteries as cargo in passenger air crafts.

According to the meeting report, the DGP agreed to prohibit lithium batteries in cargo, except those which are packed or contained in some equipment or are kept in the aircraft cabin by the passengers. The panel further proposed Jan. 1, 2015 as the effective date for start of prohibition.

The DGPs decision will be presented for final approval.from the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) in late April,

The report states that “the ANC may adopt the DGP’s decision but has within its prerogative, the option of amending/extending it…..The actual text of the decision, including associated consequential amendments, can be expected towards the end of May.”

ICAO Declares Nepal as 45% Non-Compliant

CAANInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has declared Nepal as 7% percent more non-compliant than the global average of 38%.

After an on-site audit during the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme , ICAO has given a non-compliance rating of 45% to Nepal.

The audit report states that this high rating is due to the negligence of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal [CAAN] in strengthening the mechanism of aviation safety oversight.

CAAN’s failure has also put Nepal in the bad books of the UN aviation watch dog.


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Nigerian Airports Still Not Certified by ICAO

Unsatisfactory safety and security arrangements at the Nigerian Airports have halted the certification from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

A few years ago, Dr Harold Demuren, a former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was reported saying that the NCAA could not certify any airport in Nigeria because none of them satisfied the minimum requirements for certification, as set by the ICAO.

According to Chinedu Eze, the Nigerian government must ensure security, in addition to improved infrastructure, at the airports.

To date, no airport in Nigeria has proper security fencing, although some have perimeter fencing.

ICAO Statistics Suggest Air Travel Safety Has Enhanced Over the Years

The mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has raised many concerns about the air travel safety. However, the global statistics reveal that air travel is becoming safer with time.     International Civil Aviation Organization     

As per the recent statistics released by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the reported number of fatalities in international flight incidents was 372 in 2012. In 2013, the number reduced to 173.

In Asia alone, the number of fatalities has reduced from 161 in 2012 to 50 in 2013.

The disappeared Malaysian Airlines aircraft, Boeing 777 remained involved in only 1 fatal accident last year i.e. the Asiana Airlines Flight Crash, resulting in 3 deaths.

ICAO Safety report

2013 was the safest year ever recorded for international air carriers according to a preliminary report by the ICAO.

Some points:

  • fatalities were down 53.5 from 2012.
  • There were 173 fatalities in 2013
  • There were 372 fatalities in 2012
  • 2013 is the third consecutive year of a decrease in fatalities

The air transport system experienced a marginal overall increase of scheduled commercial departures in 2013 compared to 2012.

Download the official press release


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Revised Safety Rating for India

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified that the US is downgrading its aviation safety ranking, based on failure to meet the standards of the ICAO. The International Civil Aviation Organization regulates technical, training, inspection, records, airworthiness, and operations standards. The safety downgrade is partially due to a September FAA audit which found 33 DGCA deficiencies including too few experts, maintenance deficits and poor documentation.

India’s being lowered to safety category II means that there will be consequences affecting Air India and Jet Airways Indian flights.

See the release below:

Press release: FAA Announces Revised Safety Rating for India
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that India has been assigned a Category 2 rating under its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, based on a recent reassessment of the country’s civil aviation authority. This signifies that India’s civil aviation safety oversight regime does not currently comply with the international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); however, the United States will continue to work with India’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) to identify the remaining steps necessary to regain Category 1 status for India. With a Category 2 rating, India’s carriers can continue existing service to the United States, but will not be allowed to establish new service to the United States.

India achieved a Category 1 rating, signifying compliance with ICAO standards, in August 1997. A December 2012 ICAO audit identified deficiencies in the ICAO-set global standards for oversight of aviation safety by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Subsequently, the FAA began a reassessment of India’s compliance with ICAO standards under the FAA’s IASA program, which monitors adherence to international safety standards and practices. The FAA has consulted extensively with the DCGA and other relevant Indian government ministries during its evaluation, including consultations in India in September and early December, and meetings this week in Delhi.

“U.S. and Indian aviation officials have developed an important working relationship as our countries work to meet the challenges of ensuring international aviation safety. The FAA is available to work with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to help India regain its Category 1 rating,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The Government of India has made significant progress towards addressing issues identified during the September 2013 IASA assessment. On January 20, the Government of India took further steps to resolve outstanding issues when the Indian Cabinet approved the hiring of 75 additional full-time inspectors. The United States Government commends the Indian government for taking these important actions, and looks forward to continued progress by Indian authorities to comply with internationally mandated aviation safety oversight standards.

Additional Background on the FAA’s IASA Program:

As part of the FAA’s IASA program, the agency assesses on a uniform basis the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that operate or have applied to operate to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations.

A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping or inspection procedures.

Countries with air carriers that fly to the United States must adhere to the safety standards of ICAO, the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.

Air India Safety Under Observation


Now that an Air India cabin crew told the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of Air India safety violations and that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been tolerant and inactive regarding said violations, the ICAO may well take action. Problems were indicated, such as understaffing, inadequate rest areas for crew, lack of implementation of “Flight Duty Rules.”

The letter says:

“We have reported more than 5000 safety violations on long haul destination flights alone, over the past three years. However, as the DGCA has ignored them, we were left with no choice but approach the ICAO.”

A ten member International Civil Aviation Organization team will be in India from August 19 to 24 and a representative of USFAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) will arrive in the county on September 9 as part of an inspection of India’s air safety preparedness.


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International Progress on Environmental Standards


Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) advanced two important goals to make air travel cleaner and quieter worldwide. As a member of CAEP, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) played a crucial role.

“Air transportation continues to grow within and amongst nations,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “These new environmental standards and procedures recognize that we can work together internationally to achieve positive advancements in making aviation as environmentally efficient as possible.”

Relating to aircraft noise, CAEP has recommended a new international standard for newly designed aircraft that would reduce noise by 7 decibels relative to the current noise standard. The new requirement would become effective in 2017 for large aircraft and in 2020 for smaller models.

To address global warming greenhouse gases produced in air travel, CAEP has agreed to new international certification procedures for aircraft relating to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. At previous CAEP meetings, the committee had agreed on how to measure CO2. These new certification procedures now open the door for CAEP discussions on how stringent the standard should be set and whether the standard should only be applied to newly designed aircraft or some application to in-production aircraft. These discussions are expected to be completed by 2015.


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ICAO SIGNEE


The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) was created by the United Nations in 1944 to promote the safe international aviation. The ICAO sets aviation standards in safety, security, efficiency and regularity. On December 27, Antigua and Barbuda signed a memorandum of understanding that both islands are participating in the ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.

The ICAO program implements safety procedures with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).

The agreement will ensure Antigua and Barbuda will develop and follow associated procedures, guidance material and safety related practices.


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ICAO Assists Blacklisted Airlines

After an ICAO audit that put Kazakhstan’s airlines on the EU Blacklist, the ICAO has just signed an agreement to assist Kazakhstan’s Informational-Managerial Services

The agreement promises to:

  • Create an operational structure
  • Train qualified technical personnel
  • Detail certification
  • Monitor
  • Render technical assistance

Kazakhstan Treaty Status

Kazaeronavigatsia, the Republic of Kazakhstan’s National Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP), intends to render safe service over Kazakhstan’s airspace, and is planning three consolidated ATC centers in Astana, Aktobe and Almaty; and 15 remote control towers which will be a part of ATC Centers, forming seamless airspace over entire Kazakhstan territory on a single hardware and software.


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ICAO Promoting Airport Safety

Yesterday the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to provide a framework to jointly pursue the highest possible levels of safety at airports worldwide. The group objectives are to support the development of the ACI Airport Excellence in Safety Programme, designed to help airports worldwide to identify and address safety vulnerabilities; joint technical assistance projects; regular exchange of safety-relevant information and data and by providing mutual access to databases; exchanging experts and providing training; and promoting regional cooperation.

We hope that the action is more than just public paperwork on a grand stage. Maybe it will save some lives.


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Nigerian Aviation Under Scrutiny

The numbers for the Dana Air crash may be as high as 222: 153 passengers and crew and a possible 69 ground casualties. The Voice of America puts the Nigerian death toll from 110 recorded crashes since 1943 with a total of 1500 fatalities. AllAfrica puts that number at 162 fatalities and 16 crashes.

Can we say there has been improvement when there were three crashes in 2005-2006 that killed a whopping 320 people? Regardless of the exact recorded figures, the list of Nigerian plane crashes makes a long, sad story. Carriers have a history of financing problems or corruption.

Prior to Dana Air, the last big crash was Oct. 29, 2006, when an Aviation Development Co. flight from Abuja to Sokoto crashed, killing 96 people after two minutes in the air. There was also the Bellview Airlines Crash in 2005, and Sosoliso Airlines–a plane full of children.

On Wednesday Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council established a nine-man Technical and Administrative Review Panel headed by Group Captain John Obakpolor to “determine the remote and immediate causes of the crash.” But here’s the problem–studies have already been made, and findings found. But where is the implementation of concrete reform?

Is Nigerian aviation industry in a tailspin? We can only hope that progress is being made in this country where governmental corruption has rendered airline regulation ineffective. We have seen time and again in aviation safety, when corners are cut, lives are lost.

After looking at the November 2006 ICAO audit here, we can only hope that Nigeria will redouble its efforts at aviation safety reform.

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Volcanic Ash Manual Now Available from ICAO


MONTRÉAL, 5 March 2012 ? Air transport operators now have a scientific basis for decision making in the event of a volcanic eruption thanks to a manual published by ICAO and endorsed by industry partners*.

Entitled Flight Safety and Volcanic Ash (Doc 9974), the manual provides guidance which States may recommend to aircraft operators when there is forecast volcanic ash contamination, placing the responsibility for such operations on the operator, under the oversight of the State regulatory authority.

The manual is based primarily on the work of the ICAO International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF), set up by the organization and the aviation community following the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökul Volcano in Iceland which caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe.

“The impact on air travel of the Eyjafjallajökul eruption was unprecedented. It forced us to align our guidance material with the latest technological and scientific developments. The new approach, while ensuring the safety of flight operations, provides more flexibility and recommends that the decision to operate a flight in airspace containing volcanic ash rest with airlines, under the supervision of State regulatory authorities,” said Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General of ICAO.

To ensure that the safety-critical information is readily available to Member States and the industry, the manual is now accessible in English at www.icao.int/publications/Pages/doc-series.aspx.

ICAO Spotlighting Indonesian Air Safety


Possibly, the problems in Indonesian aviation are about to be addressed. At least they’re doing something. “They” is the ICAO. Canada is lending Indonesia a helping hand.

There’s a new office in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal. Indonesia has set up office. The human resource department has signed an ICAO agreement: ICAO is posting a couple of experts, but the big thing is the $896,000 to upgrade Curug aviation systems. There are to be four points of concentration: safety oversight, civil aviation team support, training improvements, and assistance to the ICAO reps.


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ICAO’S FIRST GLOBAL SAFETY REPORT

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)released the “State of Global Aviation Safety – 2011”, a unique snapshot of worldwide aviation safety performance and collaborative efforts among international air transport stakeholders to further improve safety in light of the sustained growth of the sector.

“This is a first in the history of ICAO,” said Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General of ICAO. “While safety information is readily available from a number of sources, this innovative report presents a compelling and holistic plan for ICAO and the industry to consistently improve aviation safety, our number one objective.”

“Air transport remains our safest form of transportation, and through our collective efforts, we have entered the safest period in global aviation history. But any accident is one too many, so as aviation continues to grow worldwide, we will need to do more to maintain this impressive record,” he emphasized.

Worldwide scheduled traffic volume experienced a year-over-year increase of 4.5 per cent in 2010, setting a new record of more than 30.5 million departures. By 2030, that number is expected to reach more than 52 million annually.

The publication, available to the general public online on the Organization’s website, combines comprehensive traffic statistics and accident trends as well as the full range of initiatives undertaken by ICAO and its partners to address the most serious safety issues. These include runway-related events, the number one cause of fatal accidents, pilot fatigue and an anticipated shortage of qualified aviation professionals.

The well-illustrated document, in simple language, covers initiatives within the four components of the ICAO safety framework including: policy and standardization; safety monitoring; safety analysis; and implementation of safety programmes. The strategy is intended to achieve systemic safety improvements that yield sustainable results.

https://airflightdisaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/International-Civil-Aviation-Organization.pdf

https://airflightdisaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011stateofglobalaviationsafety.pdf


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Nigeria working toward ICAO Standard

Long known for substandard aviation, changes seem to be in Nigeria’s future.

Nigeria’s airports are slated to be revamped to meet international standards according to Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation. Safety and security are intended to be the new priority, as they aim for “zero” accidents.

Infrastructure and services are also slated to be improved.

The ICAO’s AFI plan is part of the Third Pan-African Aviation Training Coordination Conference.

The conference is organized by the ICAO Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan) in cooperation with the aviation regional organizations in the AFI Region, and hosted by the Government of South Africa will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 27 to 29 July 2011.

The agenda for the conference is here.


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ICAO Takes Air Cargo Security and Transparency Safety Initiatives

The ICAO released a report that they are joining forces with the World Customs Organization to counter terrorism and criminal activity. The Memorandum of Understanding between the WCO and ICAO is intended to strengthen Air Cargo Security.

The complex, multifaceted network of the global air cargo system will require a complex, multifaceted safety solution.

Read the press release pdf

Two weeks ago, the ICAO announced they were adopting a Code of Conduct for sharing safety information touting the concept that “Transparency and sharing of safety information are fundamental to a safe air transportation system.”

The code is based on consistent, fact-based and transparent response to safety, and a guide to international bureaucracies for implementation of transparency.

Read the press release pdf


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Nigeria Airports Audited for Safety

The ICAO audit for Nigeria comes up in May (a whole lot of initials here — NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency), NCAA, FAAN, NCAT (Nigerian College of Aviation Technology), NIMET (Nigerian Meteorological Agency), and AIB (Accident Investigation Bureau)— and before all of that, the US American Transportation Security Administration (ATSA) is in phase two of auditing Nigerian airports.

Arik Air, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines will be audited for safety as well, as they are the three carriers which fly to the US. Now that Nigeria has Category “ONE” status and can fly to the US, the FAA will continue strict safety auditing in order to maintain that safety status.

In Montreal, Canada from 24-26 May 2011., the ICAO will be hosting an Enhancing Runway Safety symposium. The official event sponsors are Airbus, Airports Council International (ACI) and Boeing. In April of 2010, the ACI World Director General, declared support for the African States such as Nigeria who adopted the Abuja Declaration, which demonstrates the determination of African nations to contribute to the development of a new global aviation security strategy.

Great press, but what happens next? Africa has a long way to go to establish true aviation safety standards.

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