Aviation Crisis Management Professionals Gather in Bangkok

Over 100 aviation crisis management and emergency response professionals are gathered in Bangkok, Thailand for the 5th AAPA Emergency Response Conference organised by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), and co-hosted by Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways.

The event is taking place 3-5 September 2013 at the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok.

Welcoming delegates to Bangkok in his keynote speech, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General, said, "Crisis management and emergency response preparedness are closely linked. Aircraft accidents are rare events, but airlines also have to put in place contingency plans for other potential crises or events that may significantly affect airline operations. In this region, we have already learnt some important lessons from past crises, such as SARS and avian flu outbreaks, as well as typhoons, volcanic ash clouds and a number of other natural disasters."

Mr. Herdman added, "Managing large-scale disruptions requires close cooperation between regulators, airlines, airports and other stakeholders, sharing of data and best practices, as well as effective consultation processes and communications. Aside from the procedural aspects, there is also a human and social dimension to managing crises that affect the travelling public. AAPA is committed to playing a critical role in promoting the highest standards in emergency response preparedness amongst airlines in the region."

Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan, President, Thai Airways International said, "Airlines are committed to the highest standards in customer service and the well-being of passengers. In emergency situations, airlines cannot resolve emergencies alone and rely on professional support and expertise provided by local and international organisations in emergency response efforts. Through the sharing of lessons amongst international and local experts, this conference is an important opportunity to further improve aviation crisis management skills and emergency response preparedness within the region."

Mr. Thavatvong Thanasumitra, Executive Vice President Corporate Planning and Member of the Board, Bangkok Airways said, "On a daily basis, 3 million passengers, representing 34% of global air passenger traffic, travel safely in Asia. Although disruptions are infrequent, our industry is committed to delivering the highest standards of care to the travelling public."

Themed "Integration, Information and Continuity", this year's event discusses the integration, coordination and flow of information amongst relevant parties in times of crisis, within the emergency response framework.

Topics addressed at the conference include: airline perspectives on business continuity, how airport authorities integrate preparedness, global perspectives on health pandemics in crisis management, forensic issues in airline disasters, legal and security issues in crisis management, experiences of care team members and crisis communications.