JEDDAH — Educating policy makers and influencing higher authorities on the importance of aviation were highlighted as key actions at the Future Air Transportation Systems Summit 2015 held in Dubai on Monday. Industry experts from Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), aviation authorities, airlines and manufactures discussed ways of encouraging regional cooperation to deliver increased efficiency and capacity of the Middle East airspace. All panelists agreed on the positive impact the aviation sector has on the UAE and regional economy. Economic growth from aviation will contribute $53 billion to the UAE economy by 2020, providing up to 750,000 jobs.
Jeff Johnson, VP International and Middle East President for Boeing, said for the next 20 years, the UAE is next to US and China for the largest aviation market growth and that the UAE will need more than 55,000 more pilots and 62,000 more technicians. With such growth comes the need for the right infrastructure for airspace and air traffic management (ATM).
Mohamed Khonji, Regional Director from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), said collaboration, cooperation and commitment are needed from all key stakeholders to tackle ATM issues affecting the region. He explained that ICAO's latest regional air navigation plan highlights Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) issues, aerodrome issues as well as ATM issues. Middle East states must look into the plan carefully and commit to a regional strategy for implementation.
Ahmed Al Jallaf, Assistant Director General, Air Navigation Services (ANS), UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), argued that stakeholders must convince Middle East governments about the importance of ATM and airspace congestion. He said that there is a need to educate policy makers and reach higher authorities to be able to make the necessary changes in the industry.
John Swift, Regional Director, NATS, said: “It's interesting to hear ANSPs and airlines call for policy makers to recognize the contribution that aviation makes to national GDP and job creation. It is important that governments address ATM issues as a state level priority and not a niche transport subject.”
Rick Allen, SVP Operations, Etihad Airways, said the unique airspace in the UAE and how it has the 4th largest and busiest wait point in the world. Allen argued that an entire new look at route structure is needed with more conversation with military airspace managers that control 40 percent of the UAE's restricted airspace.
Silos need to be broken down, noted Rudi Kellar, Executive SVP Service Delivery at NAV Canada. He said regional governments must take advantage of technology that already exists and that clear lines need to be drawn between operators, ASNPs and regulators.
The importance of training and education was also discussed. Jeff Johnson of Boeing said governments need to focus on educating and training the next wave of air traffic control (ATC) and ATM managers and also attract young people to the industry.
The Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) Executive Committee is holding its first meeting of 2015 in Dubai alongside FATSS. CANSO is supporting the summit as a strategic partner in order to highlight the importance of partnership in achieving industry objectives. Transforming ATM performance in the Middle East is a major priority for CANSO and its members.
Officially endorsed and co-organized by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the theme of the summit is how the aviation industry is a key economic driver not just for the UAE, but for the entire Middle East. The GCAA will host the ICAO Middle East ATM Enhancement Program (MAEP) Steering Committee meeting back to back with FATSS.
The two-day Future Air Transportation Systems Summit being held at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai, winds up today (Jan. 19). — SG
