The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) signed into the Regional Aviation Safety Data and Information Sharing Initiative along with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The agreement was formalized during the 59th Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu.
This initiative aims to enhance CAAP’s safety management activities by utilizing safety data to identify emerging hazards, track trends, and improve risk management in alignment with the goals of the Asia-Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Plan.
First proposed at the Asia-Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety in Singapore in 2023, the collaboration reflects the Philippines’ commitment to ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety in the region.
Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside his counterparts from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
According to Tamayo, the cross-border nature of aviation necessitates collaboration. He stated that through this agreement, the participating countries will collectively identify emerging trends and hazards, facilitating the continuous development of proactive measures that advance safety goals across the Asia-Pacific.
The shared data, sourced from mandatory safety reporting systems, will initially focus on seven key safety categories, including severe turbulence and dangerous goods incidents. The Philippines will actively collect and analyze this data to identify regional safety trends.
It also lays the groundwork for further cooperation among Southeast Asian countries, with expectations that more nations will join in the future, thereby advancing the collective effort to ensure safer skies for travelers across the region.
Tamayo believes that hosting the DGCA will showcase the country’s commitment to aviation safety and security while paving the way for a sustainable future in aviation.
The Philippines is hosting the 59th DGCA conference in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, from October 14-18.
This event serves as a platform for discussing policy, conceptual issues, and global trends while bringing together government officials, airline executives, aviation infrastructure developers, and safety experts to address challenges and emerging trends within the aviation sector.
