ICAO says the comprehensive safety implementation plan it launched recently in Africa was informed by the need to change strategies to address unfolding demands of the global air transport industry. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States says its primary goal is to work with sub-Saharan African Communities to support them as they strive to attain compliance with ICAO Standards. Both organizations made strong worded submissions at the just-concluded 14th Aviation & Allied Business Leadership Conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, August 25 to 26, 2008. Secretary General of ICAO, Mr. Taeib Cherif, says the organization is working with participants in the industry and would continue to support well-planned approach to boost safety in Africa. Mr. Cherif, who made inputs at the recently concluded 14th Aviation and Allied Business Leadership Conference which had the theme “Aviation In Africa: Changing Times, Changing Strategies”, reassures that ICAO would continue to focus on dealing with problems at source by investing resources where suitable. He advises States to observe the critical elements of safety oversight system and play their own roles in ICAO-backed safety enhancement programmes.

Mr. Cherif expresses hopes that the Aviation and Allied Business Leadership Conference would help project the ICAO AFI Plan in Africa.
The Acting Administrator of the FAA, Mr. Bobby Sturgell, also says his organization is committed to contribute to notable successes in Africa’s air transport industry, and intends to assist in improving regional air navigation services.

“Over the next five years, our goal is to continue to work with our African partners to increase safety capacity of the regional civil airspace system,” states Mr. Sturgell.

He points out that leadership is critical to raising and sustaining the safety standards, funding and focusing on retaining qualified professional staff.
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the FAA signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Conference in Johannesburg to promote closer partnership between their countries

End