World aviation safety summit to address challenges in industry

Dubai / Emirates Business

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority will host the World Aviation Safety Summit (WASS), returning to Dubai this year in its fourth edition. Taking place on April 25 and 26, WASS 2016 will address the ongoing challenges facing the global aviation industry and engage local and international stakeholders from regulatory
authorities, airline operators, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, pilot associations, safety organisations and air traffic control service providers to highlight key strategies for the safety culture of the future.
The Summit will address how the aviation industry ensures that safety is standardised and best practice is implemented worldwide, particularly considering the impact of rapid growth of airlines in emerging markets, and how airports with increasing levels of traffic and new routes must enhance and optimise their safety practices. The Summit will also look at how airlines and airports measure their own performance and implement effective predictive measures and pressure checks to prevent incidents before they happen.
The year 2015 saw significant events including the German Wings crash in France and the Metrojet terrorism event over Egypt. Other fatal incidents on revenue fare paying flights all involved propliner aircraft and, although there was a good reduction from previous years, incidents that could result in fatalities continue to occur. These include a mid-air collision over West Africa between a business jet and a B737. The business jet crashed into the sea and the B737 managed to land safely without any fatalities. This event may be an extreme occurrence but the possible consequences of an incident of this nature are catastrophic.
Runway excursions and incursions are still occurring, along with aircraft operating from closed runways or even taxiways. Serious injuries to passengers and cabin crew as a result of turbulence also appear to be increasing and a recent ground handling incident in India shows that flight safety does not just occur in the flight phase. WASS will analyse how all parties must respond to ensure continued safe operation.
Consumer drones, UAVs and the illegal operation of lasers present a current and growing danger to air transport, especially in locations where the industry operates in close proximity to large urban populations. The experts gathering at WASS will debate what regulations and educational programmes are needed to ensure safety.
Some of the sessions at WASS include creating a just culture,
effective crew management strategies for safe operations,
risk management and predictive safety, assuring air cargo safety,
as well as inflight tracking
and safety.
Mohammed A. Ahli at Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said: “Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is committed to support the on-going development of safety in the aviation sector across the world. We believe that a global gathering of safety experts will make a genuine difference to the industry, enhance performance levels and celebrate best practices, so we are dedicated to backing the World Aviation Safety Summit. We look forward to supporting the learning and innovations that come out of the Summit, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to ensure a safe and secure future for air travel.”
Nick Webb, Managing Partner at Streamline Marketing Group commented: “WASS has been established as the ideal platform for thought leaders of the global aviation safety sector to come together. It is where they discuss the safety measures and processes necessary in order to efficiently manage threats, risks and road blocks challenging aviation safety professionals worldwide. Air traffic is projected to double in the next 15 years and WASS is giving the industry’s leaders an opportunity to discuss solutions to the demands of the booming industry. We look forward to welcoming the world’s global aviation safety experts in Dubai for the fourth edition of the Summit.”