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Eurocontrol Study Says European ATC Safer
Europe’s skies have become safer since two landmark accidents, according to a new independent survey commissioned by ATC management agency Eurocontrol. The report, released Monday, says that the 42 European states surveyed have all “considerably strengthened” their ATC frameworks over the past four years. The accidents that prompted Eurocontrol to implement a strategic safety action plan (SSAP) were an Oct. 8, 2001 crash in which a Citation II collided with an SAS MD-82 on the runway at Milan Linate Airport and the July 1, 2002 midair over Germany between a DHL 757 freighter and a Bashkirian Airlines Tu-154 carrying schoolchildren. In both cases, ATC was found to be partly at fault for the accidents. Eurocontrol concedes that while most problems identified in the SSAP have now been addressed, incident reporting and data sharing have not progressed as well, largely due to institutional and legislative issues in the states concerned.
Middle East Bizav Event Taking Shape
More than 80 exhibitors and 30 aircraft are currently registered for the first Middle East Business Aviation convention, scheduled for January 31 and February 1 in Dubai. The event is organized by the UK’s Fairs & Exhibitions in alliance with the recently established Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). Aircraft expected to be on display include turboprops and business jets from Airbus, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Gulfstream and Raytheon. According to the event’s sponsor, conferences will cover a range of issues, including safety, operations, interior completions and acquiring business aircraft. Up to 3,000 attendees are expected. Meanwhile, MEBAA has applied for membership in the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), a Canada-based organization representing business aviation associations from around the world. IBAC is scheduled to vote next May on MEBAA’s request. Senior association officials predict that MEBAA membership will top 300 by 2012. MEBAA’s annual membership dues are $3,500 for operators or suppliers.
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