The International Air Transport Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority of the Federal Government of Somalia.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is meant to strengthen collaboration on aviation safety, a priority area under International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Focus Africa initiative.
This was said to mark a significant step towards achieving a single set of audit standards across Africa which is recognized internationally.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will recognize the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) as acceptable means of compliance with national regulations, complementing its own safety oversight functions.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents over 370 airlines accounting for some 85 percent of global air traffic.
On the other hand, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) is an institution which was previously known as Somali Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority (SCAMA).
The SCAA is now the national civil aviation authority body of Somalia.
Based at the Aden Adde International Airport in the capital Mogadishu, it is under the aegis of the federal Ministry of Air and Land Transport.
“Global safety standards are the cornerstone of efficient and safe operations. Through this MoU, we will work with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority towards the continuous improvement of safety standards, promote the adoption of industry best practices, and foster a culture of safety across the aviation sector,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East.
“This partnership reflects our mutual dedication to advancing aviation safety for the benefit of passengers, operators and the wider aviation industry in Somalia and Africa,” added Alawadhi.
The MoU was signed in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia by Mr. Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East, the Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of the Federal Government of Somalia and Mr Ahmed Moallim Hassan, Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.
