Singapore Official Elected as President of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Air Navigation Commission
With effect from 1 January 2010, Mr Mervyn G Fernando, the Singapore official serving in the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) currently, will assume the role of President of the ANC for a one year term. The President of the ANC is elected by the Council of the ICAO from within the ANC. The ANC comprises 19 technical experts, including pilots, air traffic controllers and aeronautical engineers, all of whom are elected by members of the Council of the ICAO.
The ANC plays an important role in the advancement of the safety and efficiency of civil aviation. It provides technical advice, opinions and support to the Council of the ICAO on all matters concerning international civil aviation. A significant aspect of its responsibilities is the development and recommendation of aviation standards and guidelines.
Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said: "CAAS is deeply honoured that Mervyn Fernando has been elected President of the ANC. With Singapore as a member of the Council of ICAO since 2003, and Mervyn as a member of the ANC since 2006, Singapore has been contributing actively to the enhancement of air transport in areas such as aviation safety and security, air traffic management and aviation medicine. Singapore will continue to play an active role in shaping international aviation policies and standards for the benefit of the global community, including providing leadership, expertise and resources where we can."
Mr Fernando has over 30 years of experience in air traffic control and management. He was appointed as an observer to the ANC in 2004, a member of the ANC in 2006 and re-elected for the full term 3-year term in 2007. During his term, he has contributed actively to the work of the ANC, chairing and participating in a number of ANC working groups and committees. Prior to his appointment to the ANC, Mr Fernando held several inter-related appointments with the CAAS, including the Manager for Search and Rescue, Senior Manager for Airspace Policy and Planning and Chief of Changi Tower.
Mr Fernando said: "I am humbled by this appointment. The ANC is an important team of experts from around the world contributing their vast knowledge and experience in this field. Working closely with this team, I look forward to instrumentally improve the safety, efficiency and environmental performance of global civil aviation."
Enclosed:
About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has the mission to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system that make a key contribution to Singapore’s success. CAAS’ roles are as an enabler of the growth of the air hub and aviation industry, to inculcate a strong safety culture in the industry, provide air navigation services, and develop Singapore as a centre of excellence for aviation knowledge and human resource development.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Genevieve Yeow
Senior Executive (Corporate Communications)
Email: genevieve_yeow@caas.gov.sg