Africa’s civil aviation prepares for ICAO Assembly

The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) is preparing for the upcoming Assembly of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Air Commodore Kwame Mamphey (retired), Chair of Commission has said.

The Commission would present its candidate, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, who is also Nigeria’s representative on the Council of the ICAO, to be elected as President at its Assembly from September 24 to October 4, 2013 in Montreal, Canada.

Speaking with the GNA in an interview, Air Commodore Mamphey, who is also the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stated that AFCAC had met with representations of other regions such as South America, Europe and Asia to lobby for the election of Dr. Aliu and had so far had favorable reactions.

“There have been progress in the African aviation industry in terms of attempts to achieve improved safety and security and his appointment would impact favorably on the industry,” he noted explaining that Dr. Aliu had vast experience within ICAO, having worked there for several years, which would help him move the industry in Africa and elsewhere forward, when elected.

Dr Aliu has been the representative of Nigeria on the Council of ICAO in Montreal, Canada since January 1, 2005. He has over the past two decades been closely involved with the development and evolution of air transport policies in Africa, including the Yamoussoukro Decision on liberalization of Air Transport in Africa and is currently working with the AU Commission on the development of a common African Civil Aviation Policy, a programme initiated by him and approved by the Committee of Ministers and the AU Assembly.

ICAO was established on April 4, 1947 under the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. It sets international standards for safety, efficiency and regularity of air traffic and promotes the planning and development of air transport.

The Council is currently headed by Mr. Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez of Mexico. He was elected by the Council in August 2006 and re-elected on 19 November 2007 and again on 15 November 2010 for a second three-year term.

Source: GNA