MEBA to host helicopter safety conference as part of opening day event programme

The MENA HST began in 2008 - a result of an international effort commenced in 2006 by the International Helicopter Safety Team to reduce accidents worldwide by 80% over a decade (2006 – 2016) and for the first time - MENA HST will be holding an informative conference on the opening day of MEBA

The meeting aims to take a closer look and improve on already existing and world accepted aviation safety standards, and identify aviation safety concerns, not just for the benefit of MENA region, but for the worldwide Helicopter aviation sector. The meeting will be attended by many colleagues representing different companies and aviation organizations.

The meeting agenda comprises of Agusta Westland presenting an update on the AW139, AW169 and AW189 aircraft, whilst Mike Litson, Founding member of the Gulf Flight Safety Committee will be briefing the attendees on a Safety Management System that he recently implemented into aviation operations in Southern Africa.

Capt. Michel Theriault from Abu Dhabi Aviation will also be taking part by proposing a region wide survey on where safety sits in organisations from an organisational chart perspective; meanwhile the General Civil Aviation Authority will be presenting on Fatigue Risk Management. And finally, MENA HST will be holding an incident review session stimulating further discussions about the identified top five risks and issues surrounding those risks.

Capt.Tony Griggs, Secretary of MENA HST said: “We are the only group in the Middle East with a specific focus on safety regarding helicopter operations. MEBA has kindly provided us with a forum to discuss our achievements and deliberate the obstacles we encounter in enhancing safety within the region. MENA HST are strong believers that no one person has ownership on safety and everybody has something to contribute. That’s our philosophy and we look forward to spreading this message at MEBA.”

Ali Al Naqbi, the founding chairman of MEBAA said “MEBA as a show has witnessed considerable growth and as a result of our Helicopters@MEBA feature has enabled organisations such as MENA HST to reach out to a targeted audience. We hope the industry takes note of their efforts to improve safety in the Middle East and support this valuable cause.”