..:: India Strategic ::. ABC Aviation: Technology, Regulations Key to Make Sky Safe, says Aviation Minister Raju

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Editorial

Technology, Regulations Key to Make Sky Safe, says Aviation Minister Raju

Published: September 2015

New Delhi. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said technology and regulations are key to make sky safer for aviation.

Mr Raju was addressing a gathering after inaugurating 24th Steering committee (SC) Meeting of Co-operative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness – South Asia, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in New Delhi September 29.

He invited all the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries and member states of COSCAP to cooperate on various issues concerning aviation sector and bring about growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey emphasised on the need for upgrading CAAs technologically and share expertise among the member countries. He also highlighted the growth of passenger traffic and said the safety regulators are facing three challenges-very fast paced growth in technology, explosive growth of passenger traffic and challenges of quality manpower. Adequate aviation infrastructure should precede growth not follow it. The Secretary called upon the member countries in the region to avail the facility made available by GAGAN project launched by India. M Sathiyavathi, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) welcomed about 87 delegates who include senior officers of DGCA, COSCAP-SA member states and other stakeholders from the industry.

The Co-operative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness – South Asia under the aegis of ICAO, is a joint programme of seven SAARC countries, namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Delegation also includes donors and industry participants e.g. Airbus, Boeing, EASA-EC, ICAO, COSCAP-SA, France Embassy, Airlines, Airport Operators, AAI, IMD.

The Conference, spread over three-day, is aimed in assisting the participant states in developing regulations and standards and to improve their independent oversight capabilities. The programme is managed by a Steering Committee consisting of the Directors General of the seven States. ICAO Headquarters and Regional Office Bangkok carry out overall supervision and provide guidance to the programme. The Programme commenced in 1997, and is presently in its Phase IV (2013 – 2017). It is financed by a Trust Fund which consists of Member States' annual subscriptions and contributions of donor agencies including partners. The contribution of the States is determined by ICAO, Headquarters based on the services rendered to the individual State.

The members of the Steering Committee includes, Heads/ DGs of the participating States; Director, ICAO TCB; Regional Director, ICAO APAC; and Programme Coordinator, who acts Secretary to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is headed by a Chairperson who is selected among its members and holds office for a period of two consecutive years and presides over the SC meetings which are held every year. Currently, DGCA India is the Chairperson of the Steering Committee.