Media Release
CAAS and Flight Safety Foundation Partner CAAC to Hold Asia-Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety 2024 in Beijing on 13-15 August
14 June 2024
Summit calls for a human-focused approach to raise aviation safety standards
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) are partnering with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to jointly organise Asia-Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety 2024 (AP-SAS 2024) in Beijing, China, from 13 to 15 August 2024. More than 450 government and industry leaders from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond are expected to attend the summit to discuss safety-related challenges and measures to enhance aviation safety as air travel demand continues to grow strongly.
2 Launched in 2023, the Asia-Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety provides a platform for aviation leaders and professionals to connect and share experiences and expertise on aviation safety matters. The inaugural summit was held in Singapore in March 2023 when the sector was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic; more than 400 government and industry leaders gathered in Singapore to discuss COVID-19-related safety challenges and emerging risks associated with recovery. Co-organised by CAAS and FSF, the venue for the annual regional summit alternates between Singapore and another Asian country.
3 The second edition of the regional safety summit, which will be held in Beijing, will feature a strong line-up of government leaders and prominent international aviation experts. Keynote speakers include Mr Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Mr Song Zhiyong, Administrator, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); and Captain Stanley Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippines Airlines (please refer to Annex A for the summit programme).
4 Themed "Shaping Safety Excellence: A Human-Focused Approach," AP-SAS 2024 will highlight the central role played by pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, ground handling crew and other individual safety actors and the importance of human factors in aviation safety. The three-day summit will explore how embracing a human-focused approach can enable individuals and organisations to proactively tackle safety challenges, leading to more sustainable, impactful and effective safety outcomes.
5 Key panel discussions will include:
a. Promoting a positive safety culture through a human-focused approach
A safety culture comprises the collective shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape individuals' attitudes and actions towards safety within their organisations. Fostering a positive safety culture requires a human-centred approach that takes into account the psychological, social, cultural, and organisational influences on human behaviour.
b. Enhancing human performance in runway safety
The frequency of runway safety incidents, with potentially severe consequences, is on the rise. With the projected aviation growth in the Asia-Pacific region exceeding the global average, there will be a significant increase in activity on taxiways and runways. This heightened activity, coupled with the expansion of existing airports and construction of new ones in the region, will elevate the risk of runway related incidents. Although systems and processes can mitigate these risks, human operators are ultimately responsible for operating the systems and implementing the processes.
c. Adopting artificial intelligence and automation safely
The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is expected to significantly impact the aviation industry, presenting both opportunities and obstacles in improving both safety and operational efficiency. There is also a pressing need to address existing risks associated with automation complacency as the use of automation expands across diverse aviation disciplines.
d. Managing mental health and wellness of aviation professionals
The mental health and well-being of aviation professionals can influence their performance and potentially impact safety. Yet issues of mental health and well-being of individuals are complex and multi-faceted in nature. The industry must safeguard and promote the mental health of their workforce, with a focus on fostering a reporting culture in which aviation professionals are comfortable to report conditions that could impact their ability to perform their duties effectively.
6 Dr Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO of FSF, said: “I am looking forward to AP-SAS in Beijing, as industry convenes to discuss the most pressing challenges in aviation and the role of human factors in building a safe and resilient aviation system. We are grateful to be partnering with CAAS and CAAC to organize this important gathering at this pivotal moment in the resurgence of aviation in the region.”
7 Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, said: “Ensuring aviation safety for the travelling public is a top priority of the Asia-Pacific region as we ramp up operations to meet the strong demand for air travel within the region and beyond. Because aviation is cross-border, collaboration is key; we learn from and support one other in our safety actions and help one another when safety incidents happen. The upcoming summit is timely for us to take stock of developments and share learnings. CAAS is deeply honoured to partner FSF and CAAC for this important summit and thank CAAC for its strong support co-organising and hosting it in Beijing. The strong projected turnout is testament to the importance aviation leaders and professionals place on safety and the value they see in the summit.”
8 Mr Song Zhiyong, Administrator of CAAC, said: “Safety is the lifeline of aviation industry, and people are the most important factor to maintain that line safe and secure. CAAC has the honour and pleasure to partner with CAAS and FSF to host this summit in Beijing, which will enable the continuation of the discussion on safety issues for the better development of the industry. I am looking forward to meeting all the participants in August in Beijing.”
9 For more information on the event programme and to register, visit https://flightsafety.swoogo.com/ap-sas-2024 (opens in new tab).
About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation.
About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence and lead global aviation safety.
About the Civil Aviation Administration of China
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is the competent authority in charge of civil aviation under the State Council with major responsibilities in safety oversight, development of laws and regulations, policies and standards, air traffic management, civil aviation security, and promoting the international exchanges and cooperation.
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Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg (opens in new tab)