IAC took part in the ICAO Aviation Safety and Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Symposium

Delegation of the Interstate Aviation Committee took part in the ICAO Aviation Safety and Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Symposium held on November 19-21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The event was co-organized and sponsored by the aviation authorities and airlines of the United Arab Emirates.

More than 200 civil aviation specialists took part in the Symposium. Participants and speakers included representatives of accident investigation authorities, heads of aviation administrations in the region, specialists fr om airlines and the aviation industry (Airbus, Embraer, Pratt Whitney, GE Aviation, etc.), ICAO experts.

The objectives of the Symposium were to create partnerships to support regional accident and incident investigation organizations, strengthen the commitment of States to regional cooperation, and exchange views on the ongoing work of the ICAO AIG group on updating the document "Manual on Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations (RAIO)" (Doc 9946). ICAO representatives noted the relatively low level of implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices in the field of accident investigation in the world, especially in small and developing countries, and, accordingly, the need to increase joint efforts to assist States in this area.

The 4th annual Meeting of Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations (RAIO) was held on the sidelines of the symposium. The participants shared information about the activities carried out by each regional accident and incident investigation organization, as well as their plans and priorities for 2025. They discussed possible integration of efforts within the framework of regional and interregional cooperation. They have agreed on joint activities aimed at improving the quality of accident and incident investigation at the regional and global levels with the participation of world-class experts.

Deputy Chairman of the IAC Sergey Zaiko, speaking at the RAIO meeting, presented the results of the IAC's work over the past year and plans for development in the field of accident investigation. He informed about the expansion of regional cooperation in the States parties to the Agreement on Civil Aviation and Use of Airspace, which is aimed at improving flight safety in the region.

In the reports of the participants and during the discussion with colleagues, the need for closer cooperation and joint efficient use of resources was emphasized amid the global shortage of qualified personnel and technology development. Special attention was given to the importance of the assistance provided by regional organizations to States in ensuring flight safety, as well as the difficulties that RAIOs face and may face in their work. Agreements have been reached on the further development of the system of regional accident investigation organizations and deeper integration of such organizations into the ICAO audit program within the framework of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). This is necessary in order to more effectively assist States in achieving the required levels of compliance with ICAO standards. There was also an exchange of views on preparations for the upcoming 2025 session of the ICAO Assembly.

The participants of the Symposium agreed that in the modern world, regional cooperation is crucial in ensuring the sustainable and safe development of civil aviation, wh ere significant progress has been made in recent years.

At the Symposium, the IAC delegation held working meetings with the heads of the aviation investigation authorities of the UAE, Jordan, Oman, India, Ethiopia, Nigeria and France, as well as with ICAO specialists.

Currently, there are 6 Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations (RAIOS) in the world, bringing together a total of 79 States.