Alexandria, VA- In reaction to the joint statement issued today by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Civil Air Navigation Organization (CANSO) and Airports Council International (ACI), regarding the formation of a task force on better guidance on threats against civil aviation, Flight Safety Foundation President and CEO Jon Beatty stated:
“We commend ICAO and our industry colleagues in exercising critical leadership in condemning the shoot down of Malaysia 17 and forming a task force to urgently analyze and recommend changes to close gaps that clearly exist regarding analyzing, sharing and communicating threats against civil aviation to airline operators. States need to make sure they get the right information to the right people at the right time to prevent tragedies like MH17 or avoid confusion like at Ben Gurion airport.
“Where states may not be able either to know the threat or control the safety or their airspace, we still need to find ways for operators to get accurate threat information and implement mitigation measures to safeguard the traveling public. We also need to look at the broader issues regarding threats posed by both MANPADS and long-range missiles, particularly when controlled by non-state actors.
“The Flight Safety Foundation stands by ready, willing and able to help in this global effort in any way. We applaud the leadership of ICAO President Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu and Secretary General Raymond Benjamin in bringing the world together to combat these latest threats and make the safest mode of transportation even safer.”
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Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; mcgee@webdeva.flightsafety.org
Flight Safety Foundation (www.flightsafetstg.wpenginepowered.com) is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.
Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; Mcgee@webdeva.flightsafety.org
