Exchange of expertise in ATM crucial to boosting aviation safety

By Mohamed Attia

The Upper Egyptian city of Luxor hosted on Monday the Regional Seminar on Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS). The event, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), wrapped up its activities on Wednesday.

Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Abbas affirmed that the event was a culmination of fruitful efforts and permanent coordination between the ministry and international organisations concerned with civil aviation affairs.

He said that Egypt’s choice to hold such an important conference confirms its leading role in air transport at regional and global levels.

Abbas said that his ministry has attached due importance to developing air transport system and enhancing its security and safety.

The event was a great opportunity to market and showcase the services offered by civil aviation to the public and private sector.

The conference discussed the latest mechanisms in the field of monitoring aircraft on the runways and parking areas at airports, using modern technologies to maintain the required safety levels.

Taking part in the event were representatives of a number of Arab and African countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Oman and Yemen.

A number of organisations concerned with civil aviation affairs have taken part in the conference, including the Airports Council International (ACI), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, commonly known as EUROCONTROL.

Participants in the A-SMGCS event stressed the importance of enhancing co-operation and exchanging expertise in air traffic control systems at airports to ensure the safety of aviation and air navigation.

By improving the way aircraft and vehicles are managed on the ground, it makes aerodrome surface movement operations more efficient in all weather conditions based on defined operational procedures.

The A-SMGCS services have been developed by EUROCONTROL and air traffic management (ATM) partners.