Dubai: The “UAE Aviation Safety Conference 2024″ concluded today in Dubai, organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under the theme ‘Safety: The Constant in a Changing Industry.’
The two-day conference features 24 expert speakers from various sectors of aviation safety, including government agencies, airlines, and related academic and research institutions.
As part of the UAE State Safety Program’s (SSP) Safety Promotion initiative, this conference addressed a broad range of critical topics, including Wake Turbulence, Safety Management Systems (SMS), Fatigue Management, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The SMS panel explored the latest advancements in proactive safety oversight, focusing on how safety management frameworks are evolving to incorporate data-driven decision-making, risk management, and improved safety reporting systems throughout the aviation ecosystem. This session highlighted best practices from both regulatory bodies and industry leaders, ensuring that the UAE remains at th
e forefront of global aviation safety standards.
The Fatigue Management Panel focused on the critical issue of fatigue in aviation, exploring innovative approaches to fatigue risk management beyond duty time limitations. Experts presented data-driven strategies to mitigate fatigue risks, emphasising the need to address this challenge across multiple operational sectors, including flight operations, air traffic control, and maintenance. The session featured real-world case studies, practical strategies for fatigue mitigation, and the latest scientific research on the effects of fatigue on safety performance.
The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) panel brought together industry pioneers to discuss the future of urban air transport, with a focus on safely integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft and vertiports into existing airspace systems. This session covered regulatory challenges, infrastructure requirements, and technological innovations needed to ensure the safety and efficiency of AA
M operations. The panel also highlighted the UAE’s role as a leader in adopting these emerging technologies, ensuring that AAM becomes a reality in the region while maintaining the highest safety standards.
These discussions underscored the UAE’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and adopting forward-thinking safety measures. The SSP continues to play a pivotal role in fostering proactive safety management across all aviation sectors, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in setting and maintaining the highest aviation safety standards worldwide.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, stated, ‘Enhancing the efficiency of safety management in aviation operations is a constant priority and a fundamental pillar of the civil aviation system. The UAE is committed to developing its safety management capabilities to keep pace with the rapid changes occurring globally and to anticipate any potential risks that may arise from these changes.’
He emphasised that through a commitment to the
continuous development of the UAE State Safety Program, the UAE has successfully established a leading regional and global position in this field.”
In his opening speech, Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, confirmed that rapid technological developments and transformations in operational processes in the civil aviation sector make safety management more complex than it was in the past.
He highlighted ongoing national efforts to adopt the best technological and operational solutions to ensure the safety of this vital sector.
He added that the “UAE Safety Conference” serves as an ideal platform for exchanging insights and experiences regarding the latest developments in this vital field and for presenting innovative solutions to the challenges facing the aviation sector.”
He affirmed that the conference brings together all entities and institutions operating in the sector within the country under one roof, providing a valuable opportunity to explore future
prospects and collectively address challenges.
The first day of the conference featured the honouring of the winners of the Safety Marathon award, organised by the GCAA to enhance efforts aimed at meeting the sustainable development requirements for the national aviation infrastructure.
The first day’s agenda also covered several topics related to continuous operational safety and the regulatory framework for general aviation, including private jets and business aircraft. Additionally, the new protocol for the Communicable Disease Management Programme (CAR-CDMP) was introduced, aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases through air travel. This protocol was developed by the GCAA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and in coordination with the International civil aviation organisation’s Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in International Aviation (CAPSCA) programme.
The second day focused on key workshops, including the UA
E National Runway Safety Team (NRST) Workshop, which focuses on the prevention of runway and taxiway incursions, and the Fatigue in Maintenance Environment workshop, which explored strategies to mitigate the effects of fatigue on aviation maintenance personnel.
Source: Emirates News Agency