Oman

CAA taking tangible for the security of air travelers: Al Abri

 
Muscat: The eighth edition of the 'ICAO Security Week 2024 and the High-Level Ministerial Meeting', hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, opened on Monday at the at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, in the presence of Sultan bin Salem al Habsi, Minister of Finance.

Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Naif bin Ali al Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said, 'This event embodies our firm commitment to developing the aviation industry and enhancing aviation security and safety standards in various fields. The event is a key platform for aviation and security experts and decision-makers worldwide to share ideas and experiences and discuss the latest developments and innovations in this vital sector.'



He said the Sultanate of Oman is among the leading countries in this field at the regional and international levels and has made tangible steps in regulating the aviation sector to ensure the safety and security of passengers and enhance the stability and security of global airspace. Oman has made great strides in the field of aviation, through the development of advanced inf

restructure and airports, the qualification of local competencies, and the issuance of regulations in line with the best international standards.

The event will discuss strengthening cooperation, coordination,n and communication at the international level to ensure the security of international civil aviation, coordinating the response to emerging threats, solutions, and means of cooperation to deal with these challenges, and discussing and exchanging best practices in the field of aviation security and facilities.

The event aims to address critical issues affecting global aviation security, recommend initiatives aimed at addressing challenges to international aviation security, and reiterate the importance of a joint approach among member states to support joint efforts related to counter-terrorism issues, including the protection of critical civil aviation infrastructure, enhancing global aviation security and facilities and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew personnel.



The President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Salvatore Shakikitano, stressed the leading role played by the Sultanate of Oman in enhancing aviation security at the regional and international levels. He praised the efforts of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority in hosting the event and the distinguished hospitality.

Shakikitano stressed that the aviation sector is facing increasing challenges, most notably cyber threats and the complexity of air networks, which require innovative solutions and continuous international cooperation. 'Our success depends on how well we can anticipate emerging threats while ensuring that passenger and cargo movement is efficiently facilitated.

The ICAO Council President noted the outstanding achievements of the Middle East in the field of aviation security, where countries in the region recorded an effective implementation rate of 75.92% of ICAO's standards for the Global Aviation Security Audit Program (USAP) audits. He also noted that this region leads the world in the number of ICAO-accredited trainers, which reflects the strength of capacity building and regional cooperation, indicating that the region is free of any major security concerns thanks to joint regional efforts.