JEDDAH — The UAE accomplished an enormous and unprecedented achievement by ranking highest in the world in compliance with international aviation safety standards after intensive audit trough the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO )'s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program. The UAE scored a success rate of 98.86%, which is the highest rate in history given by ICAO. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, welcomed the significant achievement of the UAE represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of being rated as the top country in the world in compliance with international aviation safety standards. He believes that this global recognition comes as a result of persistent efforts for many years in order to reach this high position that the country deserves. He added that the aviation sector in the UAE, with its superb infrastructure and services, has become hugely attractive and is qualified to play a key role in steering the global aviation industry. He praised the efforts of the staff of GCAA, and relevant authorities within the aviation safety sector, hoping the hard work and achievements will continue. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, emphasized that the grand achievement by the civil aviation sector in the UAE is another top accomplishment for the country which it deserves. He stressed that the people of UAE is capable of achieving more success in the future through continued efforts that we can be proud of. He added that the international recognition is a motivation for the UAE's transportation sector and other industry sectors to continue to work hard for the county to progress and grow further. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of GCAA , welcomed the achievement by the UAE, represented by GCAA. Al Mansoori said: "Scoring first place in the world in aviation safety comes as a result of GCAA 's hard work locally, regionally and internationally. Efforts and initiatives by the GCAA in deploying aviation safety culture have had a fundamental impact in the improvement that we are witnessing in the country. UAE's aviation sector has, in just a few years, become one of the most prominent aviation sectors in the world. Aviation safety has always been our top priority parallel with exceptional service quality and assurance of growth capability." He added: “Our ability to execute our strategies and initiatives, along with implementing innovations have greatly improved the status of the civil aviation sector.” Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA Director General, said: "It is an honor to obtain such an assessment result by the ICAO and to accomplish the best result worldwide. It could not have been done without the clear vision supported by a strong will to excel and progress.” He added: "Over the last five years, GCAA has strived to develop and implement superb aviation infrastructure consisting of modern regulation framework; state-of-the-art facilities and innovative technology; along with efficient manpower capacity transforming strategies and plans into tangible reality.” Al Suwaidi pointed out that the continuous efforts in supporting civil aviation industry in the whole region helped GCAA in achieving the pioneering structure in place. Throughout the years, the GCAA has launched numerous of initiatives in the best interest of the region. "We share the fruit of the progress with the GCC countries and the Arab countries via ACAC (Arab Civil Aviation Commission) as well as with the region via the ICAO regional office in Cairo, Egypt. We can only thank the GCAA Aviation Safety Team who did their outmost to ensure this achievement for the country. I would also like to thank the innovative and ambitious staff of the GCAA and our civil aviation partners. Together, we are the frontrunner. The GCAA vision, "A Leading, Safe, Secure and Sustainable Civil Aviation System", has contributed highly in encouraging the aviation community and has guaranteed GCAA 's top-ranking." He continued: "This ranking is another factor adding to the competiveness amongst other local aviation industries in the regional market but also internationally. We anticipate the ranking will also enhance the opportunities for local carriers and other related services in the country in the coming years. Ismaeil Al Blooshi, GCAA Assistant Director General of Aviation Safety Affairs, said: "For the UAE to score the highest in the world is a testimony our clear commitment to continue our strive in supporting and enhancing our aviation safety services. The aviation safety affairs sector has worked tirelessly to profoundly implement a culture of safety locally and regionally." He added: "The GCAA was very well prepared for the audit program with an integrated two-year-activity work plan from which designated task forces have been established to execute set goals. The set goals are in compliance with the international safety standards." Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: "In the aviation industry, safety must always be the number one priority. Emirates congratulates the GCAA for their outstanding work in this regard, and their commitment to safety in civil aviation. The latest ICAO audit results are a strong endorsement of the quality and standard of aviation in the UAE." James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "The ICAO report reflects the significant contribution of the UAE's aviation industry in regards to safety developments. At Etihad Airways safety is, and always will be, our number one priority. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the GCAA to maintain and enhance safety standards in the aviation sector." Homaid Al Shemmari, Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala's Aerospace & Engineering Services business commented: "As the UAE continues to grow as an aviation and aerospace hub, the industry remains committed to implementing world-class operations, compliance and safety programs that meet and exceed ICAO Safety Standards. We are confident that the successful evaluation of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority 's standards reinforce the UAE's strong position and presence in the fields of aircraft structures manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), in which Mubadala is active." Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: "The accelerated development and growth in the civil aviation scene within the UAE is nothing less than outstanding. Abu Dhabi Airports is proud to be part of this noteworthy achievement and look forward to continue to be in the forefront of civil aviation safety that will further strengthen the UAE's role as a leader within the international civil aviation community." Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: "The UAE has established itself as one of the leading centers of aviation across the logistics, infrastructure and legislation sectors. flydubai congratulates the GCAA on its latest achievements and its ongoing role in transforming and developing the aviation industry in the region. flydubai is committed to supporting and working closely with the GCAA to develop and deliver the highest levels of safety in the aviation sector." Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia, said: "Air Arabia welcomes the ICAO report and congratulates the GCAA . We are proud to be part of the transformation and progress that our country has achieved in a short time period. With the ambition of further growth, we look forward to celebrating that our industry is the frontrunner in safety for many years to come." — SG
