UAE is world's No. 1 in aviation safety compliance

The UAE has accomplished an enormous and unprecedented achievement by ranking highest in the world in compliance with international aviation safety standards after intensive audit through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. The UAE scored a success rate of 98.86 per cent, which is the highest rate in history given by ICAO. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, welcomed the significant achievement of the UAE represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of being rated as the top country in the world in compliance with international aviation safety standards. "This global recognition comes as a result of persistent efforts for many years in order to reach this high position that the country deserves," he said. He added that the aviation sector in the UAE, with its superb infrastructure and services, has become hugely attractive and is qualified to play a key role in steering the global aviation industry. He praised the efforts of the staff of GCAA, and relevant authorities within the aviation safety sector, hoping the hard work and achievements will continue. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, commented on the news and emphasised that the grand achievement by the civil aviation sector in the UAE is another top accomplishment for the country which it deserves. He stressed that the people of UAE are capable of achieving more success in the future through continued efforts that we can be proud of, "international recognition is a motivation for the UAE’s transportation sector and other industry sectors to continue to work hard for the county to progress and grow further." Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of GCAA, welcomed the achievement by the UAE, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and said: "Scoring first place in the world in aviation safety comes as a result of GCAA’s hard work locally, regionally and internationally. Efforts and initiatives by the GCAA in deploying aviation safety culture have had a fundamental impact in the improvement that we are witnessing in the country. UAE’s aviation sector has, in just a few years, become one of the most prominent aviation sectors in the world. Aviation safety has always been our top priority parallel with exceptional service quality and assurance of growth capability." He added: "Our ability to execute our strategies and initiatives, along with implementing innovations have greatly improved the status of the civil aviation sector. The deserved position in safety excellence is a result of an interpretation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, saying 'My people and I love number one' from last year’s Government Summit." Furthermore, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA Director General, said: "It is an honour to obtain such an assessment result by the ICAO and to accomplish the best result worldwide. It could not have been done without the clear vision supported by a strong will to excel and progress. He added: "Over the last five years, GCAA has strived to develop and implement superb aviation infrastructure consisting of modern regulation framework; state-of-the-art facilities and innovative technology; along with efficient manpower capacity transforming strategies and plans into tangible reality. "We share the fruit of the progress with the GCC countries and the Arab countries via ACAC (Arab Civil Aviation Commission) as well as with the region via the ICAO regional office in Cairo, Egypt. We can only thank the GCAA Aviation Safety Team who did their outmost to ensure this achievement for the country. I would also like to thank the innovative and ambitious staff of the GCAA and our civil aviation partners. Together, we are the frontrunner. The GCAA vision,'A Leading, Safe, Secure and Sustainable Civil Aviation System' has contributed highly in encouraging the aviation community and has guaranteed GCAA’s top-ranking." He continued: "This ranking is another factor adding to the competiveness amongst other local aviation industries in the regional market but also internationally. We anticipate the ranking will also enhance the opportunities for local carriers and other related services in the country in the coming years. Ismaeil Al Blooshi, GCAA Assistant Director General of Aviation Safety Affairs, stated: "For the UAE to score the highest in the world is a testimony our clear commitment to continue our strive in supporting and enhancing our aviation safety services. The aviation safety affairs sector has worked tirelessly to profoundly implement a culture of safety locally and regionally." Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: "In the aviation industry, safety must always be the number one