(From Left) A Public Health Physician, Dr Paul Akano, the Vice President of AAPA, Mrs Gladys Abah, The President of Akwacross Aviation Professionals Association, Mr Ekip Eso, Rev. Agbonlahor Osaruyi at the association’s Inaugural Seminar on Wednesday in Lagos.
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Professionals in the aviation industry have recommended inclusiveness and shared responsibility for all players in the ecosystem in ensuring aviation safety best practices and procedures in air travels.
The professionals made the recommendations at the Akwacross Aviation Professionals Association (AAPA) inaugural seminar titled: “The Role of Safety in Aviation” held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Keynote Speaker at the seminar, Rev. Agbonlahor Osaruyi, speaking on aviation’s key challenges and best practices said that procedures and other critical components are essential to safety.
According to Osaruyi, aviation safety is a shared responsibility and there must be cooperation, collaboration and inclusiveness between all stakeholders.
“Ensuring the highest safety standards in aviation demands a multifaceted approach, encompassing expertise in accident prevention, emergency preparedness, maintenance, best practices, regulatory adherence, human factor awareness among others.
“Analyzing real-world incidents and accidents is also of great value to aviation professionals as it can assist them to glean vital lessons, apply preventive strategies and mitigate risks.
“Through ongoing enhancements to safety protocols and a steadfast commitment to compliance, air travel can persist as a dependable and secure mode of transportation for millions globally.
“There should be collaboration and inclusiveness of all regulatory bodies, aircraft manufacturers, airline operators, air traffic control and management, pilots and crew members, maintenance personnel, airport authorities among others.
“All these bodies utilising the safety components highlighted, should collaborate to ensure safety.
“Furthermore to ensure safety; accident prevention, passenger protection, operational efficiency and public confidence should be considered,” he said.
Osaruyi said that although accidents may not be avoided but following procedures would help to limit their occurrences.
He highlighted procedures such as risk assessment, management analysis, mitigation, monitor and review training and retraining among others.
Osaruyi added that, keeping to ICAO safety standards, good equipment, good procedure designs in air traffic control, training and retraining, inter-agency coordination were key to air transport safety.
A Public Health Physician, Dr Paul Akano, in his presentation on Aviation Health and Wellbeing, said that fatigue, stress among others affected the output of aviation professionals and should be properly tackled.
Akano called on professionals in the industry to engage in stress management strategies, laughter, make acquaintances, exercise and sleep more.
Participants at the Inaugural Seminar of the Akwacross Aviation Professionals Association (AAPA) in Lagos.
The President of AAPA, Mr Ekip Eso, in his welcome address, said that safety was not static, but was the foundation upon which the industry was built.
According to Eso, safety is a continuous journey, not a destination and should not be dealt with on the altar of ignorance and complacency.
Speaking on the activities of the association, Eso said that Akwacross would equip members in the industry with knowledge through engagements and seminars on issues to develop the industry.
“I also want to call on Akwa Ibom and Cross River States Aviation Professionals to come and join hands to build AAPA as a tool for giving back to the society,” he said.
Speaking on the “Benefits of Travel and Tourism”, the Treasurer of the association, Mr Ofonime Etukudo, said that it boosted mental health, new experiences, reduced burnout, enhanced creativity and productivity among others.
The seminar had air traffic controllers, aviation unions, airline operators, aviation agencies among others in attendance.