Aviation Industry Safety Experts in Bangkok for AAPA Event

More than 140 safety professionals representing the region's regulators and airlines gathered in Bangkok, Thailand this week for the Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2014 (APASS 2014), organised by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

Discussions focused on organisational lessons to be learnt, how to effectively use data in safety management and addressing particular safety concerns. The seminar included practical workshops addressing safety performance indicators, flight operations and cabin safety, enabling participants to openly discuss practical issues, safety threats and challenges, and innovative solutions.

The seminar, endorsed by the Flight Safety Foundation, and Airports Council International - Asia Pacific, is being hosted by Thai Airways International, with additional support from Eva Air, Airbus, Boeing, CEFA Aviation, SAGEM (SAFRAN Group), and Teledyne Controls.

AAPA Director General, Mr. Andrew Herdman said, "Flying is now part of everyday modern life. Around the world, nine million passengers a day take to the skies with the knowledge that air travel is safe, secure and convenient. The aviation industry has established an excellent safety record, due to the collective efforts of industry safety professionals over the years, constantly striving to make flying even safer."

"Over the past decade, as an industry we have been able to demonstrate continuous improvement in aviation safety performance. This can be attributed to regulatory and industry collaborative efforts, including improvements in technology, designs and certification standards applied to aircraft over the years, further enhanced by refinements to operational performance standards and safety training. This explains why 2013 was one of the safest years ever in terms of commercial airline jet fatalities," Mr. Herdman added. "Nevertheless, there is no room for complacency, as we continue to strive to prevent further accidents. The recent tragic loss of MH370 remains a mystery, but has again highlighted the challenges of air traffic management in keeping track of more than thirty million flights a year. AAPA is a member of the industry task force led by IATA which is assessing various technologies and operational changes that could support enhanced global surveillance of all commercial aircraft movements."

Closing his remarks, Mr. Herdman emphasized, "Safety requires close cooperation between regulators, airlines and other involved stakeholders; with the sharing of data and best practices, as well as effective consultation processes and communications. AAPA is committed to working with stakeholders and playing a critical role in ensuring that airlines in the region remain vigilant in maintaining the very highest safety standards."

Delivering the APASS 2014 keynote address on behalf of the Ministry of Transport was Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thai Airways International, who emphasised that, "In the constantly growing global market for air services, the safety, security and sustainability of air navigation are paramount. Ensuring safety remains the top priority. The continuous improvement in global aviation safety is fundamental to ensuring that air transport continues to play a major role in driving sustainable economic and social development around the world. It is also important that we focus on strategies to promote the manufacturing industry for aircraft parts and engines, developing maintenance and overhaul facilities as well as training pilots and crew to accommodate the growth of the industry. Cooperation and collaboration in the aviation safety and aviation industry are keys to achieving sustainable growth in aviation."