Madrid, Spain, February 27, 2008 — The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) announced today that it has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to address the growing issue of a global shortage of skilled aviation personnel. The partnership was announced today in Madrid, Spain, at the IATA OPS Forum.
“The Flight Safety Foundation is pleased to bring its broad aviation perspective to this task force,” commented FSF President and CEO William R. Voss. “We are in the unique position to reach out to all segments of the industry and bring them to the table in addressing this issue. That collective experience will help ensure that the shortage of personnel does not compromise safety.” According to IATA data, the global aviation fleet is expected to grow by 17,000 aircraft by 2020 and the industry could face a shortage of not just the pilots to fly the aircraft, but the individuals to maintain and the regulators to oversee them if efforts are not started now to address this growing issue.
The IATA Training and Qualification Initiative (ITQI) also will include the International Civil Aviation Organization and other industry stakeholders. The Foundation will join the ITQI governing board and will participate in the management of projects.
“This is a critical challenge facing the industry, and it is vital that we take proactive steps to come up with solutions that involve the input of the entire industry from airlines to airports, to manufacturers and regulators,” Voss continued. “A personnel shortage will impact everyone, so everyone needs to be involved in finding the solutions.”
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Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, auditing, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to pursue the continuous improvement of global aviation safety and the prevention of accidents. www.flightsafetstg.wpenginepowered.com
Contact: Emily McGee, Director of Communications, 1-703-739-6700, ext. 126; mcgee@webdeva.flightsafety.org
