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The fifth International Cooperation Forum organised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) opened today (December 9) at the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) Headquarters.
The Forum is being attended by about 50 representatives from more than 20 civil aviation authorities and regional organisations. During the two-day Forum, the participants can have in-depth discussions and exchanges on various emerging issues, including the way forward for regulating aviation safety, cyber-security, new challenges to aviation safety on unmanned aircraft systems, technology development in air traffic management, and technical co-operation in aviation safety.
This is the first time that the EASA has held this forum in Hong Kong.
When addressing the Forum, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, said, "I believe the fifth forum provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to share experience, create synergies and identify areas of co-operation."
He noted that the CAD and the EASA have signed two Working Arrangements in the past three years, one on Supplemental Type Certificates and European Technical Standard Order Authorisations and the other on validation of certificates for civil aeronautical products, parts and appliances. These Working Arrangements simplify procedures on certification of approvals of aircraft products, parts and appliances between the CAD and the EASA. As a result, the aviation industry can benefit from reduction of economic burden through avoidance of duplicated technical inspection and testing, while enhancing aviation safety and sustainability.
He added that the CAD would continue to explore opportunities to enhance the existing Working Arrangements to facilitate business operation for the aviation industry.
Ends/Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:13
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