Mr Stephen Creamer
Director, Air Navigation Bureau, International Civil Aviation Organisation
Mr Christopher Hart
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board of the United States
Dr Soerjanto Tjahjono
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. A very good morning to everyone. It is a pleasure to join you here today at the 3rd International Accident Investigation Forum.
2. I am heartened that this forum has continued to bring together a significant number of international participants, from the ICAO Member States and from the industry. To our overseas guests, a very warm welcome to Singapore.
Importance of Aviation Safety
3. Safety is the number one priority in the air transport industry. In 2015, the global jet accident rate, measured in hull losses per one million flights, was 0.32. This is not far off from the 0.27 in 2014, and compares well with the average of 0.46 between 2010 and 2014. This has been possible only because of the hard work and dedication of the many stakeholders in aviation safety.
4. There is more to be done, to close gaps and make improvements. Also, with air travel projected to continue to grow strongly in the coming years, we need to continue to keep air transport reliable and safe, so as to maintain confidence in the industry and support for its long term growth.
Aviation Safety Priorities
5. Globally, aviation safety experts, including many in the audience today, are discussing ways to bring about improvements in aviation safety. I’d like to suggest three areas we should maintain our focus on.
Integrate New Technologies
6. First, integrating new technologies safely. One example of a new technology is unmanned aircraft systems, or remotely piloted aircraft systems. Whether we like it or not, unmanned aircraft systems are becoming a new component of the aviation system.
7. We have to find ways to develop a deep understanding of the risks, and a good appreciation of the human factors that can lead to failure. And we have to develop a robust regulatory framework, and safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into airspace management.
8. There are also opportunities to reap the benefits of technological improvements to enhance civil aviation safety. Many companies are developing unmanned aircraft systems based on cutting-edge developments in aerospace technologies. We can make use of the technological advancements to develop new and improved aviation applications, and learn from how companies develop and manage innovations.
Ensure Safety in Air Traffic Management
9. Second, ensuring safe and efficient management of airspace. While we can increase capacity by building new airports and runways, there is a finite amount of airspace to accommodate the growing air travel demand. As airspace becomes more crowded, safer and more efficient management of airspace is imperative. Even though the last major ATC-related accident happened some years ago, we cannot afford to be complacent.
10. To ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency, we have to invest heavily, in infrastructure, technology, and manpower, to enhance air traffic management capabilities. There is also a need to foster collaboration and reduce complexity in air traffic management.
Develop Capabilities in Air Accident Investigation
11. Last, developing expertise in air accident investigation. Every aviation accident is one too many for us to bear. So when the unfortunate air accident happens, we must distill and share the lessons, so that we prevent a similar accident from happening again.
12. To do that, we need to continue to build a global network of air accident investigators, who have the right expertise and capabilities, and are connected to other investigators, so that there is sharing of experience, expertise and lessons learnt.
ICAO’s Leadership in Aviation Safety
13. Indeed, many aviation safety issues are challenging and require all of us to work together to find solutions that are practical, sound and sustainable.
14. In this regard, I commend ICAO’s leadership in engendering greater awareness and understanding of the issues, in driving progress and forging a consensus on the way forward, and in setting safety-related standards and practices.
15. Singapore will continue to work with ICAO, international stakeholders and counterparts to study and address aviation safety issues. We will also do our part and contribute to ICAO’s efforts to improve aviation safety, for example through the Asia Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Team, and the Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group. In support of ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative, Singapore will be nominating Subject Matter Experts to the Asia Pacific Combined Action Teams, to support the effort to provide direct assistance to countries that need help to enhance their aviation safety standards.
Conclusion
16. Ladies and gentlemen, clearly there is much to be done to continue to ensure strong aviation safety, so that aviation can achieve its growth potential.
17. I hope this forum will help to promote the collective sharing of knowledge, perspectives, and insights in air accident investigation.
18. I wish all of you productive discussions and a fruitful forum. Thank you.