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 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced
further enhancements to its commitment to improve aviation safety in
Africa. “African safety has improved, but the accident rate is
still nearly six times the global average. This must change. IATA is serious
about delivering results that will raise the bar on aviation safety,” said
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
Bisignani announced the Association’s latest addition to its African safety
initiatives - the Implementation Plan for Safe Operations in Africa (IPSOA).
“This is a US$3.7 million programme that follows on the US$5.4 million that
we have already committed to improve safety in this region,” said
Bisignani.
IPSOA will give up to 30 African airlines access to IATA’s Flight Data
Analysis (FDA) tool over a three-year period. FDA offers airlines the capability
to statistically analyse data from actual flights to improve procedures and
monitor compliance. FDA offers critical insight for aircraft maintenance by
using data to monitor engine condition trends and aircraft fuel usage.
“IPSOA is a partnership to improve both safety and efficiency. IATA will
provide access to the data, but the airlines must invest to ensure that their
organisations can take advantage of the programme,” said Bisignani.
Bisignani also highlighted IATA’s three other key areas to improve
African safety:
1. Auditing: Twenty African carriers are among the 193
airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit Registry. With less than eight
months to the December 31 deadline for obtaining IOSA registration, 15 IATA
members in Africa have open findings. “Our goal is to have all of our members on
board to raise the bar on safety. We will be working with our African members in
a special Partnership for Safety Plus programme to bring our members into
compliance with IOSA standards by the end of the year,” said Bisignani.
Bisignani also urged African governments to make use of IOSA. “Already
Egypt and Madagascar are mandating IOSA as part of their safety oversight
programmes. I want to see more African governments follow their lead - including
Nigeria,” said Bisignani.
2. Infrastructure: Bisignani highlighted two areas of
concern. “Despite high user charges, in many parts of Africa infrastructure
is poorly funded and not up to international standards. Lack of transparency is
a critical issue that is costing lives. IATA supports the creation of special
infrastructure fund mechanisms to ensure that the money that airlines pay in
charges stays in the industry,” said Bisignani.
3. Skills Shortage: “Airlines are competing in a global
market that has a shortage of licensed personnel. To meet projected demand in
2026, we must train 19,000 pilots a year. With capacity of 16,000, the shortfall
by 2026 would be 54,000 pilots. We must broaden the pool of qualified candidates
without compromising on safety. IATA’s Training and Qualification Initiative
(ITQI) is working on a comprehensive approach from recruitment to training,
standards and technology. Governments also have a role. The challenge is for
governments to cooperate and jointly provide and recognise standards, licensing
and training. It would help Africa (and other regions) use scarce resources more
efficiently while improving safety,” said Bisignani.
“Safety is a
team effort. IATA is working closely with all its members to deliver results.
Safety oversight is a government responsibility. They must be equally committed
to providing resources and leadership. Working together we can make Africa’s
skies safer,” said Bisignani.
Bisignani made his comments in a keynote address to industry stakeholders at
IATA Aviation Days for Africa being held in Lagos, Nigeria where the Association
has just opened a sub-regional office serving Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone,
Gambia, Liberia and Cape Verde. With the new office, IATA will expand its
Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) to the Nigerian market. Anticipating the 100%
e-ticketing deadline on 31 May 2008, the Nigerian BSP operation will be among
the first completely e-ticketing BSPs in the US$220 billion IATA settlement
system.
International
Air Transport Association (IATA) - {Travel Daily News}
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