The 32nd Steering Committee Meeting of COSCAP – South Asia commenced on April 22, 2023, in New Delhi, India, with Civil Aviation Director General and Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority CEO Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadeniya presiding as the Chairperson.
Overview of COSCAP-SA
COSCAP-SA was established in 1997, with the primary objective of promoting operational safety and continuing airworthiness in the South Asian region. The organization brings together member states, international aviation authorities, and industry partners to address aviation safety concerns.
Responsibilities of COSCAP-SA
The Steering Committee is the apex decision-making body of COSCAP-SA, responsible for guiding the program’s initiatives. The committee’s primary responsibilities include:
- Guiding the development of aviation safety policies and regulations
- Facilitating the sharing of best practices and safety information among member states
- Providing guidance on the implementation of safety management systems
The committee also coordinates the program’s activities, ensures the effective implementation of safety standards, and monitors progress against established benchmarks.
Participating Stakeholders
The 32nd Steering Committee Meeting was attended by representatives from various organizations, including:
| Organization | Representative |
|---|---|
| Airbus | Mr. P. Karthikeyan, Regional Manager |
| Boeing | Ms. S. Kumar, Aviation Consultant |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Mr. M. Khan, Aviation Safety Inspector |
| European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) | Ms. C. D. R. Murugesan, Aviation Safety Specialist |
| Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom (CAA-UK) | Mr. A. Patel, Aviation Safety Officer |
| Civil Aviation Authority of France (DGCA-France) | Ms. J. Dupont, Aviation Safety Specialist |
Key Takeaways
The meeting focused on several key topics, including:
- Safety management systems and their implementation
- Aviation security threats and countermeasures
- Environmental sustainability in aviation
Civil Aviation Director General and Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority CEO Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadeniya emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges facing the aviation industry in South Asia.
Quote from the Chairperson
“The safety of our passengers and crew is the topmost priority. We must work together to address the challenges we face and ensure that our aviation systems are safe, secure, and sustainable.”
— Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadeniya, Chairperson, COSCAP-SA
Conclusion
The 32nd Steering Committee Meeting of COSCAP-SA provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and address the critical issues affecting the aviation industry in South Asia. The meeting’s outcomes will contribute to the development of effective safety policies and regulations, ultimately enhancing the safety and security of air travel in the region.
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