Singapore Official Re-appointed President of the Air Navigation Commission
Mr Mervyn Fernando of Singapore has been unanimously re-appointed through a secret ballot, as the President of the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) by the Council of the ICAO for another one-year term beginning 1 January 2011. He is currently serving his first one-year term in this capacity, starting from 1 January 2010.
The President of the ANC is appointed by the Council of the ICAO from within the ANC, which comprises 19 technical experts, all of whom are appointed by the Council of the ICAO. Mr Fernando was first appointed as a Member of the ANC in 2006, and re-appointed twice in 2007 and 2010.
The ANC plays an important role in advancing the safety and efficiency of international civil aviation. It provides technical advice, opinions and support to the Council of the ICAO on all matters concerning international civil aviation under its purview. A significant responsibility of the ANC is the development and recommendation of standards, recommended practices and guidelines.
Under Mr Fernando’s Presidency in this current term, the ANC actively engaged in the development of air navigation-related proposals presented to the 37th Session of the ICAO Assembly in September/October this year. The ANC also deliberated on key issues, such as the creation of an electronic database on terrain and obstacles around airports worldwide (eTOD, as it is called), which will complement future air traffic management systems to improve the safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of aircraft operations; enhancements to cockpit recording devices in support of aircraft accident investigations; and provisions on rescue and fire fighting services in support of long range flight operations over oceanic areas and diversions to the nearest suitable aerodrome. Mr Fernando was also instrumental in reorganising the ANC’s work flow to ensure the development of more robust yet implementable rules governing air navigation.
Mr Fernando said, “I am privileged to be able to lead a team of global experts in the ANC as its President for another term. With the vast knowledge and experience of the team members, I look forward to the ANC working more closely with the industry to improve the safety and efficiency of air navigation globally.” Mr Fernando added, “ Next year, I will focus on following up on the 75 directives of the 37th ICAO Assembly including the development of a new Annex to the ICAO Convention, currently referred to as “Annex 19, Safety Management”. I will also oversee the modernisation of the ANC Chamber and its working system, including conducting paperless meetings.”
Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said, “We are honoured that Mr Mervyn Fernando has been unanimously re-appointed President of the ANC for another term. As a member of the Council of the ICAO and with Mr Fernando as President of the ANC, Singapore will continue to actively contribute to the growth of international civil aviation to the next level.”
Enclosed:
For more information, please contact:
Ms Genevieve Yeow
Senior Executive (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6541 2082
Fax: (65) 6542 0246
Email: genevieve_yeow@caas.gov.sg
Ms Satwinder Kaur
Assistant Director (Corporate Communications)
DID: (65)6541 2912
Email: satwinder_kaur@caas.gov.sg