UAE, Moldova sign pact on civil aviation safety

The agreement was signed by Mohammed Ghanim Al Ghaith, Director-General of Civil Aviation, and Vidam Shablina, Senior Deputy Director General of NCAA.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the GCAA Regional Headquarters in Dubai, was attended by government officials, officials from private and government aviation companies as well as delegates from NCAA.

Following the signing of the agreement, Mr Al Ghaith said it was the second time an agreement of this nature was effected between the UAE and Moldova.

"The successful accomplishment of this agreement will broaden the scope of the UAE's open sky policy, as it will not only generate mutual economic benefits, but will also promote flight safety and security. We expect many more agreements of such nature to be reached in the near future between the GCAA and countries that have similar interests," he added.

This agreement, Mr Al Ghaith added, will contribute to the development of aviation standards and will enhance the confidence among the two parties. It will also assure the GCAA commitments towards international safety obligations. The agreement is also believed to play a role in clearing confusion in cases involving negligence of observing safety and security procedures.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mr Shablina said the agreement was a significant step towards opening the prospect of closer cooperation on civil aviation matters, particularly safety and regulatory oversights, between the two countries.

The meeting has also resulted in putting together a comprehensive strategic view of what is needed to keep both the civil aviation authorities at the pinnacle of aviation safety.

He added that the NCAA has confidence in the GCAA to conduct the safety and regulatory oversights on its operators based in the UAE at a very high standard. The NCAA is also appreciative of the GCAA receptive attitude towards assisting the NCAA in enhancing its regulatory capabilities.

He pointed out that it is also undoubtedly the desire of the NCAA to learn from the GCAA experience in having successfully evolved itself to be at the forefront of regulatory authorities.

At the same time, the NCAA looks forward to exchange views and reports towards improving each others regulatory capability.

"Clearly, the conclusion of the agreement is necessary and needed to improve regulatory safety oversight as well as the importance of regulatory activity which are based on technical merit and accident prevention," he said.