BANJUL Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) said it has strategized to ensure compliance to global best practices as airlines resume operations globally.
BAGAIA Commissioner, Engineer Charles I. Erhueh who spoke at the Agency’s extraordinary commission meeting, which held virtually, said that the COVID-19 situation can create an opportunity to further restructure the industry and allow it fully play its economic and developmental role globally.
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The BAGAIA is coordinated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to assist member states, comprising of seven West African States namely: Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone, in the conduct of independent investigation of aircraft accidents and serious incidents in compliance with international standards.
“As airlines are planning to come back into full operations; there is a serious need to be in compliance with global best practice,” Erhueh said, noting that the aviation sector, which is vital for socio-economic advancement, international commerce, tourism, and regional alliance has been worst hit by the current COVID-19 crisis.
He also mentioned that the unprecedented health threats and related travel limitations do not allow continuing the business with the BAGAIA member states in the usual form; adding that, it will probably take considerable number of years for the transport by air to regain its previous level before the pandemic.
“Also, due to our size in Africa, aviation will remain vital industry that will connect us all across the world. So in everything we do as aviators, personal hygiene and safety must be our concerns while we carry-out our daily activities,” he added.
