By Mohamed Attia
Egypt’s National Committee for Bird and Wildlife Hazard Management, chaired by Captain Amr El-Sharkawy, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, has organised a specialised workshop to enhance responses to bird and wildlife risks in the aviation sector. The event brought together experts in aviation, environmental specialists, and safety officials from the Egyptian Airports Company, Air Navigation Company, EgyptAir, and the Environment Team at the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The workshop examined global best practices and successful strategies for minimising hazards posed by birds and wildlife. Discussions also focused on technological solutions aimed at maximising aviation safety standards.
Captain Amr El-Sharkawy emphasised that the committee’s work is a fundamental pillar of civil aviation safety. He underscored the need for ongoing collaboration with relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance security measures for passengers, air operations, and airports. He also highlighted Annex 14 of the Chicago Convention as a key framework for managing wildlife-related risks within and around airports, stressing the importance of integrating the committee’s efforts with the workshop’s outcomes to develop risk assessments and effective solutions.
As part of the event, Captain Karim Gamil Said, advisor to the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, delivered a detailed presentation on managing bird strike risks in aviation, based on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. He outlined the responsibilities of airports, air navigation companies, airlines, and other entities in reducing hazards.
The discussions also covered streamlined bird strike reporting procedures, risk assessments tailored to each airport, and various deterrence methods, including habitat management. Participants reaffirmed that these measures align with international regulations to ensure the safety and security of aviation operations.
