July 17, 2009

The Ministry of Transport and Communication said stakeholders should join hands in the efforts being made to ensure air transport safety.

Opening a consultative meeting organized under the title “Aircraft bird strike and wildlife hazard prevention” yesterday, Transport and Communication Minister, Kuma Diriba, said all pertinent bodies are expected to collaborate in maintaining safety of air transport as it is vital to become competent at the international level.

He said the community, governmental and non-governmental organization, as well as political leaders should contribute their shares in the efforts being made to ensure safety of air transport through preventing birds and wildlife from entering to airfield.

Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Gobena Guangul, on his part said that birds and wildlife sheltered at airports are becoming the main cause for airplane accident.

Ethiopia has become free from bird strike and wildlife hazard following the efforts carried out to ensure safety of air transport, he said, adding safety measures need to be carried out to promote Ethiopia’s good image in the sector.

According to Gobena, the meeting was organized with a view to designing a system that enables to address the problem effectively and establish a common forum with stakeholders.

Some seven aircraft bird strikes occurred in 2009 at various airports internationally, he noted.