Oman Air hosts Gulf Flight Safety Association Conference to enhance regional safety standards

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, recently hosted the Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA) meeting at the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat, in association with Boeing. In attendance were delegates from Boeing, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Oman Air, Royal Flight Oman, Presidential Flight AD, Royal Air Force, Royal Oman Police, Air Navigation Services of Oman, Petroleum Development Oman, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Minerals Development Oman, Middle East Airlines, Gulf Air, Saudia Airlines, Emirates, Oman Airports, Transom, Flynas, Al Sharqiya Aviation, Unified Aviation, Salam Air, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Skyart, Aerogulf Services, and MB Group.

The first day of the meeting involved workshops, presentations and discussions on various relevant topics with the participation of working groups from Flight Operations, Flight Data Forum, Ground Operations, Cabin Safety and Helicopters. The workshops allowed participants to present, share and discuss best practice and safety related matters in a confidential environment. Additionally, they provided an opportunity to network, exchange information and experiences, as well as discuss best practices and safety concerns post-COVID.

The second and final day of the meeting included presentations from each subgroup covering their key focus areas, including Global Aerospace Safety Initiatives by Boeing; and Global Data Management Program, Incident Database Analysis, Flight Data Exchange Analysis, Benefits to Operators and Safety Enhancement Initiatives by IATA.  Captain Fahd Cynndy, the GFSA Chairman and CEO of Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) presented MRO Safety and its Relationship with the Aviation Ecosystem. Meanwhile, Captain Waheed Al Subhi, Senior Manager – Safety and Emergency Response Planning, presented Oman Air’s fleet, achievements, and safety challenges. An engaging panel discussion was conducted on the challenges of Safety Management System implementation, safety leadership, and change management.

Captain Nasser Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer at Oman Air welcomed the delegates and emphasised the importance of such meetings, which serve to keep members up to date with current best practices and standards. He expressed his appreciation to the GFSA Chairman, Captain Fahd Cynndy, for the opportunity to hold the prestigious and important event in Sultanate of Oman.

The Gulf Flight Safety Association was originally founded in Oman in 2004 by a group of Gulf-based safety professionals from various aviation companies located within the GCC region. The group meets quarterly to discuss safety improvement initiatives, as well as coordinating with international bodies like IATA and ICAO.

Captain Waheed Khalfan Al Subhi, Senior Manager – Safety and Emergency Response Planning at Oman Air, concluded the event by thanking the attendees, Boeing, and the management of GFSA for ensuring the success of the meeting. The various working group sessions clarified the new procedures and best practices in handling the safety aspects in the respective fields.

The GFSA Chairman extended his thanks to Oman Air for their hospitality and for their arrangements in hosting the event.