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Miami – In the airline industry there is no room for error and no tolerance for failure regarding safety and security, US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said at the opening of the International Air Transport Industry (Iata) annual general meeting in Miami.
He emphasised that a vigilant public plays an important role in ensuring aviation security.
Iata CEO Tony Tyler said safety is the number one priority for everyone in the aviation industry.
“Civilian aircraft are instruments of peace,” said Tyler.
He said it was a tragic paradox that in 2014 aviation recorded its safest year ever with one jet hull loss for every 4.4 million flights.
However, Tyler cautioned against what he called a rush to judgment or regulation in the immediate aftermath of accidents.
“We must not allow anything to undermine the well-established accident investigation standards and processes, which lead to findings that improve safety,” he said.
Climate change
Regarding aviation safety in Africa, Tyler said poor safety regulation oversight is still a concern in certain areas as well as political barriers to greater connectivity on the continent.
Dr Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, president of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) said he is sensitive to the cost impact of flight tracking systems for airlines.
“Aviation is needed for the economy. Yes our industry is safe and secure, but we can always do more to ensure that passengers can travel safely and securely where ever they fly,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation for the co-operation from Iata in providing expertise.
Another aspect Aliu raised as very important is the issue of the environment.
“We also appreciate Iata’s support in the continued search for solutions for climate change matters,” he said.
Tyler in turn urged governments and industry to stay focused on global solutions to manage aviation’s carbon footprint.
“We have always understood that our common interests and those of the environment are best served by a united industry position and a global approach.
We are at the forefront of industries addressing climate change with clear targets to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually to 2020 to cap net emissions with carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and to cut net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005,” said Tyler.
• Fin24 is an Iata guest at its AGM.
