CAAS, FAA and IATA Sign Milestone Tripartite Agreement to Enhance Data Analytics Capabilities

Exploring innovative predictive data capabilities that will help improve aviation safety globally

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Collaborative Arrangement (CA) to further develop data analytics capabilities to improve aviation safety. The CA was signed on the sidelines of Singapore Airshow 2020 by CAAS Director-General, Mr Kevin Shum, FAA Administrator, Mr Steve Dickson, and IATA Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific, Mr Conrad Clifford.

2.         The tripartite collaboration recognises CAAS, FAA and IATA’s shared interest in exploring the uses and effectiveness of predictive data analytics in analysing safety data. The results of this collaboration could help facilitate the identification of precursors to high-risk incidents using data from normal flight operations. This could shape the formulation and implementation of safety enhancement initiatives and international standards for predictive safety risk management. It may also lead to subsequent projects that would enable these organisations to pool resources and share predictive models and data science capabilities.

3.         The collaboration will align closely  with the research and development work done by the Global Safety Predictive Analytics Research Center (SPARC)[1]. SPARC utilises predictive analytics to identify potential aviation safety hazards and assess related risks by leveraging the research capabilities in Singapore, as well as operational flight data and safety information that are available under IATA’s Global Aviation Data Management (GADM) initiative[2]. End users across the aviation community can then work collaboratively to address and implement appropriate safety measures to mitigate the risks, or prevent the occurrence of safety hazards.

CAAS, FAA and IATA sign a tripartite Collaborative Agreement to develop data analytics capabilities to make air travel safer.

4.         Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS, said, “We have strong partnerships with the FAA and IATA, with a common goal to continually enhance aviation safety globally.  I am pleased that we have been able to build on these partnerships to enter into this significant tripartite collaboration. It will contribute to making air travel safer for airlines and passengers.”

5.         FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said, “Collaboration is the only way to advance safety to the next level. This arrangement will enable safety professionals from CAAS, FAA and IATA to pioneer advanced analytical capabilities to identify emerging risks in the large volumes of safety data we collect.”

6.         Conrad Clifford, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific, IATA said, “The use of predictive analytics will enhance aviation safety. Instead of analysing the causes and contributing factors associated with the low number of incidents/accidents, we will be looking at a data-driven analysis from the millions of safe flights operated each year.  That is the way forward for improving aviation safety and we are delighted to work with the CAAS and FAA on developing the industry’s capabilities for doing so.”

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 the Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates the safest, most efficient, and complex aerospace system in the world. The FAA employs more than 45,000 people globally who are dedicated to improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability through global leadership, regulatory harmonization and partnerships. The FAA regulates the U.S. civil aviation industry and commercial space transportation, and is increasing safety and efficiency through its air traffic modernization program. Aviation contributes $1.6 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, supports 10.6 million jobs, and constitutes 5.1 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

About the International Air Transport Association
IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 290 airlines comprising 82% of global air traffic. You can follow us at twitter.com/iata for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information.

For media queries, please contact:

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg

[1] SPARC was established with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration between CAAS and IATA on the sidelines of Singapore Airshow 2018.

[2] GADM is a data management platform, integrating de-identified operational data received from multiple sources including direct user reports, and digital flight data.