adminLAGOS. — The International Airline Transport Association has called on African governments to invest in safety and modern infrastructure in the aviation sector.The organisation’s director-general, Tony Tyler, made the call during his presentation at the ongoing two-day Aviation Day Africa in Lagos.
He observed that safety was yet to be given priority in the continent. He explained that in 2012, African airlines had one accident for every 270 000 flights, adding that globally, the industry average was one accident for about every five million flights.
He described the figure as “shocking” and required action from the African governments, but noted that despite the poor safety rating in the continent, none of the 25 IATA members in Africa had an accident.
Tyler said none of the 384 airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry had a jet losses. He, however, emphasised that for the sector to improve from its poor safety record, it was pertinent for African governments to invest in safety, infrastructure and capacity building for the personnel working in the sector.
“African governments have recognised the need to improve safety. And the Abuja Declaration sets out a comprehensive approach to reaching world-class safety by 2015.
“And I should take a moment to commend Nigeria for the important role that it played in building the political will to reach this agreement,” said Tyler.
IATA is organising workshops with governments and carriers across Africa. Through the International Aviation Training Fund, it is sponsoring 10 African airlines with in-house training to achieve IOSA mandatory certification. — CAJ News.
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