emirates7 - The "UAE Aviation Safety Conference 2024" concluded today in Dubai, organized by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under the theme “Safety: The Constant in a Changing Industry.”
This two-day event brought together 24 expert speakers from various sectors, including government agencies, airlines, and academic and research institutions, to discuss critical aviation safety topics. As part of the UAE State Safety Program's (SSP) Safety Promotion initiative, the conference addressed issues such as Wake Turbulence, Safety Management Systems (SMS), Fatigue Management, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
During the SMS panel, participants examined the latest developments in proactive safety oversight, emphasizing how safety frameworks are evolving to include data-driven decision-making, risk management, and improved reporting systems across the aviation sector. The session showcased best practices from regulatory bodies and industry leaders, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in aviation safety standards.
The Fatigue Management panel addressed the crucial issue of managing fatigue in aviation, discussing innovative approaches that go beyond standard duty time limitations. Experts presented data-driven solutions to minimize fatigue risks, emphasizing a cross-sector approach that includes flight operations, air traffic control, and maintenance. The session featured real-world case studies, practical mitigation strategies, and insights from recent scientific research on fatigue and its impact on safety performance.
The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) panel gathered industry leaders to discuss the future of urban air transport, focusing on safely integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft and vertiports into current airspace systems. The discussion covered regulatory challenges, infrastructure needs, and technological innovations required to ensure the safety and efficiency of AAM operations. The panel highlighted the UAE's role in adopting these emerging technologies, aiming to make AAM a reality in the region while maintaining high safety standards.
The discussions throughout the conference underscored the UAE's dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking safety measures. The SSP remains crucial in fostering proactive safety management across all aviation sectors, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in global aviation safety standards.
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 global changes and to anticipate potential risks that may arise."
He further emphasized that the ongoing development of the UAE State Safety Program has enabled the country to establish a strong regional and global standing in aviation safety.
In his opening address, Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, highlighted the increasing complexity of safety management due to rapid technological advancements and operational transformations in the civil aviation sector. He noted that national efforts continue to focus on adopting the best technological and operational solutions to ensure the safety of this vital sector.
Al Zarouni added that the "UAE Safety Conference" serves as an excellent platform for sharing insights and experiences on the latest developments and for presenting innovative solutions to challenges within the aviation sector. He emphasized the value of bringing together all entities and institutions in the sector to explore future opportunities and collectively address challenges.
On the first day, the GCAA honored winners of the Safety Marathon award, recognizing efforts to meet sustainable development goals for the national aviation infrastructure. The agenda also covered topics such as continuous operational safety and regulations for general aviation, including private jets and business aircraft. Additionally, a new protocol for the Communicable Disease Management Programme (CAR-CDMP) was introduced, aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases via air travel. This protocol was developed by the GCAA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and coordinated with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s CAPSCA programme.
The second day of the conference featured key workshops, including the UAE National Runway Safety Team (NRST) Workshop, focused on preventing runway and taxiway incursions, and a workshop on Fatigue in the Maintenance Environment, exploring strategies to mitigate the impact of fatigue on aviation maintenance personnel.
This two-day event brought together 24 expert speakers from various sectors, including government agencies, airlines, and academic and research institutions, to discuss critical aviation safety topics. As part of the UAE State Safety Program's (SSP) Safety Promotion initiative, the conference addressed issues such as Wake Turbulence, Safety Management Systems (SMS), Fatigue Management, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
During the SMS panel, participants examined the latest developments in proactive safety oversight, emphasizing how safety frameworks are evolving to include data-driven decision-making, risk management, and improved reporting systems across the aviation sector. The session showcased best practices from regulatory bodies and industry leaders, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in aviation safety standards.
The Fatigue Management panel addressed the crucial issue of managing fatigue in aviation, discussing innovative approaches that go beyond standard duty time limitations. Experts presented data-driven solutions to minimize fatigue risks, emphasizing a cross-sector approach that includes flight operations, air traffic control, and maintenance. The session featured real-world case studies, practical mitigation strategies, and insights from recent scientific research on fatigue and its impact on safety performance.
The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) panel gathered industry leaders to discuss the future of urban air transport, focusing on safely integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft and vertiports into current airspace systems. The discussion covered regulatory challenges, infrastructure needs, and technological innovations required to ensure the safety and efficiency of AAM operations. The panel highlighted the UAE's role in adopting these emerging technologies, aiming to make AAM a reality in the region while maintaining high safety standards.
The discussions throughout the conference underscored the UAE's dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking safety measures. The SSP remains crucial in fostering proactive safety management across all aviation sectors, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in global aviation safety standards.
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 global changes and to anticipate potential risks that may arise."
He further emphasized that the ongoing development of the UAE State Safety Program has enabled the country to establish a strong regional and global standing in aviation safety.
In his opening address, Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, highlighted the increasing complexity of safety management due to rapid technological advancements and operational transformations in the civil aviation sector. He noted that national efforts continue to focus on adopting the best technological and operational solutions to ensure the safety of this vital sector.
Al Zarouni added that the "UAE Safety Conference" serves as an excellent platform for sharing insights and experiences on the latest developments and for presenting innovative solutions to challenges within the aviation sector. He emphasized the value of bringing together all entities and institutions in the sector to explore future opportunities and collectively address challenges.
On the first day, the GCAA honored winners of the Safety Marathon award, recognizing efforts to meet sustainable development goals for the national aviation infrastructure. The agenda also covered topics such as continuous operational safety and regulations for general aviation, including private jets and business aircraft. Additionally, a new protocol for the Communicable Disease Management Programme (CAR-CDMP) was introduced, aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases via air travel. This protocol was developed by the GCAA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and coordinated with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s CAPSCA programme.
The second day of the conference featured key workshops, including the UAE National Runway Safety Team (NRST) Workshop, focused on preventing runway and taxiway incursions, and a workshop on Fatigue in the Maintenance Environment, exploring strategies to mitigate the impact of fatigue on aviation maintenance personnel.