Nepalese Aviation Heading to ‘Go Safe’

Honorable Mr. Ram Kumar Shrestha Minister for Tourism, culture and civil aviation inaugurating the program

06 May, 2013, Kathmandu

A five day long Training Workshop (6th-10^th May, 2013) has been initiated today at Gokarna Safari Resort, Kathmandu as a Part of “Aviation Safety Awareness Campaign” by the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN). Having troubled by the highest rate of accident in last five years, Nepalese Sky has become a matter of concern to everyone including foreign Tourists and the Insurance Companies.  With an intention to enhance the level of Air Safety and also educate concerned user groups including reinsurance Companies worldwide, the Industry has stepped with an initial program on SMS (Safety Management System) with 160 Participants from 17 different Airline Companies including Pilots, Engineers, Managers, Ground Crew, etc. with the assistance of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) certified trainers provided by the World Food Program. The training has been supported by many organizations like Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, IFC (a member of the World Bank group), Yeti Airlines and many other partners.

Training on the progress

During the Inauguration Program, Honorable Ram Kumar Shrestha, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation cited STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) operation and the extreme topographical adversities as main causes of Air Accidents in Nepal. He also explained on government’s efforts to strengthen the situation of Aviation Safety in the Country.

Participants on a genuine discussion

Mr. Tri Ratna Manandhar, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal appreciated Private Sector Stake Holders’ efforts in initiating the Air Safety Campaign and ensured every support from the Civil Aviation Authority regarding such interests.

Capt. Samir Sajet, Chief of the Aviation Safety Unit, Mr. Valintino Bagatsing, IFC Resident Representative and Ms. Nicole Menage, Chief of WFT Nepal Office shared sights on Air Safety situation of Nepal and ensured every support from their side to help Nepal come out of this situation in future.

Aviation personals attending the training

Capt. Rameshwor Thapa, President of AWON concluded the event with commitment from the side of Nepalese Aviation Industry to practice ‘Safe Flying’ and invited everyone concerned to join hands with the Industry in this mission. He also thanked all concerned including the event host, Gokarna Safari Resort.

PATA Nepal Chapter is the Industry Partner of this event and helping to integrate Nepalese Tourism Industry including Nepal Tourism Board and the International Partners to join hands in this initiation to make Nepal a “Safe Air Travel” destination.

International and national participants

The Opening Ceremony followed by sessions on Technical Presentations includes:

1. Workshop A- Threat and Error Management by Capt. Peter Stein (Johansen Control – FSF) and Thomas Anthony (University of Southern California).
2. Workshop B- Safety Reporting System- The need to have the State in the Loop by Mr. Antonio Pelaez (SENASA)
3. Workshop C- Safety Management System Training by Ms. Ghadier Khattari (RJ Airlines) and Mr. Kamal Tariq (DIAL, IGIA)
4. Workshop D- Quality Aviation for Operation by Mr. Matthew Wickens (Emirates Airlines.)

Good listeners on a serious topic

Prepared and circulated by:

Suman Pandey

Chairman-PATA Nepal Chapter

General Secretary-Airline Operators Association of Nepal

977-9851020294

Mr. Suman Pandey- President Explore Himalaya attending the training