SAUDI ARABIA LEADS ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW REGIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ORGANIZATION AT ICAN 2023

The landmark announcement in aviation safety collaboration was made at the 15th International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN) in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 6^th December: – A new aviation Regional Safety Oversight Organization for the Middle East & North Africa, the “MENA RSOO” has been formally launched today in Riyadh, with Saudi Arabia appointed as the inaugural chair and host of the organization. The new organization is a coordinated initiative by the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization Middle East Regional Office (ICAO MID) and was launched at the 15th International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN), hosted by GACA’s Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The primary objective of the MENA RSOO is to assist its Member States to develop and implement their State Safety Programme (SSP), and to provide assistance to enhance the safety oversight capabilities of States. The organization will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The MENA RSOO has been established on the basis of a Memorandum of Agreement signed by 8 member states.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairperson of the MENA RSOO and the President of GACA, His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said: “The establishment of MENA RSOO is a milestone for all member states, and a testament to our collective commitment to aviation safety, quality, efficiency, and our region’s place in the global aviation community. This announcement demonstrates the Kingdom’s own dedication to aviation safety through our continuous collaboration with international partners to ensure the highest standards in air travel safety.”

The strategic objective of the MENA RSOO is to assist its member states to develop and implement their State Safety Program and enhance safety oversight. In this context, the MENA RSOO will promote the harmonization of aviation regulations and develop guidance material, enhance member states’ safety oversight capabilities through the pooling of surveillance capabilities, provide training to boost expertise and capacity development, and undertake advisory work to support the implementation of the State Safety Program.

The President of the ICAO Council, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, added “Aviation is a critical driver of economic growth and connectivity, and the safety of our skies is paramount. Aviation is an industry that knows no borders, and safety is a shared responsibility that requires a collective effort. The establishment of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) across the world is one of the key elements of ICAO’s efforts to harmonize safety oversight practices, develop effective State Safety Programmes, promote information sharing and build a robust framework for continuous improvement.”

The process for the development started in 2018, when the draft strategy for the establishment of an RSOO was endorsed by sixteen countries. In 2019, after several meetings, discussions and studies among participant states, Saudi Arabia established the MENA RSOO offices in Riyadh, and provided the initial fund with the commitment to continue supporting this regional organization.

Source : The Saudi Aviation Strategy and GACA