GLOBAL aviation regulatory body, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Air Transport Association (IATA) and the umbrella body for global airlines, have pledged their support to help Nigeria overcome its aviation safety challenges.
In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan signed by the ICAO Council President, Mr. Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez and the Secretary-General, Mr. Raymond Benjamin, ICAO offered its support, saying: “Please, know that ICAO stands ready to assist you in any way as you investigate these accidents and have every confidence that you will personally implement any recommendations emanating from the investigations.”
Gonzalez, however, reinforced his confidence in the President’s “strong leadership and commitment to aviation safety in Nigeria and indeed, in Africa as a continent.”
Following the Dana crash in which over 153 persons died, precisely on June 3, 2012, the Federal Government enlisted the help of Boeing (along with ICAO) in the evaluation of the airworthiness of airline fleet in the country.
IATA, the umbrella body for 240 airlines, said the regrettable accident must not be allowed to derail the reforms instituted in the industry since 2006.
In a letter to President Jonathan, IATA Secretary-General and CEO Mr. Antony Tyler, said: “We at the IATA stand ready to support you and your government during this difficult period. While aviation remains the safest form of travel in the world, accidents unfortunately still do happen.
“Nigeria should be proud that the commitment of your government to the safety and security of your air transport system has resulted in an impressive overall safety record. While we can and must learn from these tragedies, it is important that we also not allow these exceptional events to lead us to lose perspective on the overall safety of the system,” he added.
Tyler offered IATA’s support, saying the global airline body remains committed to working with Nigeria’s civil aviation authorities and authorities around the world to continue to improve the safety of this already safe industry.
He noted that as part of its safety initiative, the association has vigorously encouraged governments to mandate airlines to meet the requirements of its Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control system of an airline.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91035:icao-iata-pledge-to-assist-nigeria-on-aviation-safety-&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
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