| Siti Hajar |
GLOBAL aviation security is one of the major concerns faced by governments around the world, and Brunei Darussalam is no exception to these challenges.
The Brunei Government is working closely with the likes of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in addressing safety concerns with information sharing key in overcoming worries, the Minister of Communications, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, said.
“ICAO has the information and the overall responsibility, and they share these with member countries and from there we take regulatory measures to enhance the safety of aviation in the country,” he explained in a recent interview with the Bulletin.
In ensuring that airlines and the aircraft manufacturers maintain high safety standards, to an extent of developing new technologies including tracking devices, and to consider recommendations in better monitoring human resources, ICAO has pledged to help the Brunei Government in various areas, the minister noted.
This file photo shows the Brunei International Airport. The Brunei Government is working closely with the likes of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in addressing safety concerns with infor-mation sharing key in overcoming worries, said the Minister of Communications, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat. – AZROL AZMI
This includes providing support in terms of technical and professional staff as well as assistance should there be a need to bring in expertise. This was discussed during the recent Asean-ICAO informal meeting in Singapore, he added.
“On the whole, the depth of information sharing is important,” he explained. “We share information with ICAO, and they in turn, as part of their responsibilities, inform member countries on new developments as well as the latest trends.”
The minister said that Bruneian regulators are constantly proactive in addressing challenges and assured that “our surveillance, procedures and screenings are in place all the time along with intelligence communities constantly at a high state of readiness and alertness”.
With regard to the country’s local carrier and its fleet of airplanes, the minister explained that airlines work “very closely” with airplane manufacturers. “Whenever an issue arises there is immediate support, and it is a partnership that is done at the professional level. It gives us the assurance and we are confident in ensuring that the airlines can conduct their operations safely.”
With procedures in place that are strictly enforced, the minister noted the importance of close collaboration with the airlines as well as manufacturers, describing the relationships as “healthy”.
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