Improving African Air Safety

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently announced further measures to improve aviation safety in Africa. "African safety has improved, but the accident rate is still nearly six times the global average. This must change. IATA is serious about delivering results that will raise the...

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently announced further measures to improve aviation safety in Africa.

"African safety has improved, but the accident rate is still nearly six times the global average. This must change. IATA is serious about delivering results that will raise the bar on aviation safety," says Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO.

The Implementation Plan for Safe Operations in Africa (IPSOA) is a $3.7 million program that builds on the $5.4 million effort already underway in Africa.

IPSOA will give up to 30 African airlines access to IATA's Flight Data Analysis (FDA) tool over a three-year period. FDA offers airlines the capability to statistically analyse data from actual flights to improve procedures and monitor compliance. FDA offers critical insight for aircraft maintenance by using data to monitor engine condition trends and aircraft fuel usage.

"IPSOA is a partnership to improve both safety and efficiency. IATA will provide access to the data, but African air carriers must invest to ensure that their organizations can take advantage of the program," said Bisignani.

Twenty African carriers are among the 193 airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Registry. With less than eight months to the December 31 deadline for obtaining IOSA registration, 15 IATA members in Africa have open findings.

"Our goal is to have all of our members on board to raise the bar on safety. We will be working with our African members in a special Partnership for Safety Plus program to bring our members into compliance with IOSA standards by the end of the year," said Bisignani.

He also urged African governments to make use of IOSA. "Already Egypt and Madagascar are mandating IOSA as part of their safety oversight programs. I want to see more African governments follow their lead - including Nigeria," said Bisignani.

Bisignani highlighted two areas of concern. "Despite high user charges, in many parts of Africa infrastructure is poorly funded and not up to international standards. Lack of transparency is a critical issue that is costing lives. IATA supports the creation of special infrastructure fund mechanisms to ensure that the money that airlines pay in charges stays in the industry," said Bisignani.

"Airlines are competing in a global market that has a shortage of licensed personnel. To meet projected demand in 2026, we must train 19,000 pilots a year. With capacity of 16,000, the shortfall by 2026 would be 54,000 pilots.

"We must broaden the pool of qualified candidates without compromising on safety. IATA's Training and Qualification Initiative (ITQI) is working on a comprehensive approach from recruitment to training, standards and technology. Governments also have a role. The challenge is for governments to cooperate and jointly provide and recognize standards, licensing and training. It would help Africa (and other regions) use scarce resources more efficiently while improving safety," said Bisignani.

"Safety oversight is a government responsibility. They must be equally committed to providing resources and leadership. Working together we can make Africa's skies safer," he added.

And IATA and the African air traffic management organization ASECNA have announced an agreement to combine efforts to improve safety, service levels, efficiency, cost effectiveness and infrastructure on the continent.

The agreement acknowledges the need for service level and charges targets that reflect the economies of scale generated by ASECNA's operations and transparent consultations.

Efforts will focus on the provision of affordable training. That includes Safety Management System training to help airlines, airport operators, Civil Aviation Authority personnel and air navigation service providers meet ICAO requirements from 1 January 2009 as well as English language proficiency training for Air Traffic Controllers.

IATA and ASECNA will jointly press for aeronautical infrastructure policies that meet airspace user requirements. That includes supporting the development of AFI Air Navigation Plan and the rationalization of the route structure and extension of air traffic control. ASECNA will also explore opportunities to set up a special infrastructure fund to set aside funds for necessary infrastructure developments and modernization.

IATA will assist and support ASECNA to educate governments on civil aviation requirements and promote technologies, such as Automatic Dependant Surveillance - Contact (ADS-C) and Automatic Dependant Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B).

"ASECNA has done in Africa what Europe has failed to do. ASECNA has provided effective air traffic management for a united sky covering a significant part of the African continent for nearly half a century. The efficiency of this approached matched with IATA's expertise can make a powerful difference," said Bisignani.

"This multi-state approach to efficient air traffic management is a beacon for other regions to follow. African Governments must remain committed to continuously enhancing this success story of African aviation," he believes.