SLCAA Will Achieve Safety and Security Level by 2020: ICAO

ICAO REGIONAL DIRECTOR BELIEVES SIERRA LEONE WILL ACHIEVE SAFETY AND SECURITY COMPLIANCE LEVEL BY 2020

The Regional Director of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Mam Sait Jallow has—on Thursday 4th October 2018said that Sierra Leone has the capacity to reach aviation compliance level for safety and security by 2020 under the astute leadership of the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority, Moses Tiffa Baio.  

He made this disclosure when making a PowerPoint presentation to the Minister of Transport and Aviation and other key stakeholders at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Youyi Building. He said that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has a responsibility to promote air transport in compliance with international best practices, and it is on this note that the organisation coined the theme: “Collaborating to develop International Civil Aviation”.

“I believe Sierra Leone can eclipse the compliance level in safety and security in spite of the numerous challenges. But the government has a greater role to play in making that a reality. Air transportation plays a significant role in boosting the economy as it provides employment opportunities and contributes to the country’s GDP. Improving air transport means promoting economic diversification in areas such as tourism, agriculture, trade, aviation etc. Sierra Leone is at 20% compliance level in terms of safety, which is far below the 60% safety margin set by African Ministers responsible for Aviation in Abuja which is known as the Abuja Safety Targets.

The Minister of Transport and Aviation Hon. Kabineh M. Kallon said what ICAO currently is doing is in line with President Bio’s New Direction Policy to improve on aviation services. While referencing the New Direction he mentioned that air transportation facilitates the movement of persons and goods in and out of the country and promotes trade and integration, serves as a catalyst for job creation and boosts economic diversification, economic growth and development. He continued by noting that that it was because of its significance that the president re-ehco its improvement during the State Opening of Parliament. He assured Mr. Jallow that the government, specifically the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, will work assiduously with CAA and SLAA to reach the 60% target by 2020.

As noted in the New Direction he ended by saying that the government will work in consonance with the ECOWAS Vision 2020 to improve the Air Transport sector by developing a sound and seamless regional air transport system that is safe, reliable, efficient and affordable, well connected within West Africa and integrated with the global network.  

Civil Aviation Authority Communication and Media Team+23279088481/+23230001826