The UAE was recently nominated to work within the Aviation Recovery Working Group established by members of the Civil Aviation Organization due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, as the team will work to contain the damage caused by the epidemic in the aviation sector and the challenges it created as a serious step towards reviving the aviation sector and helping governments reduce the burdens. Which in turn will contribute to the economy boom again and reduce unemployment in the aviation sector.
The team will work towards proposing policies and priorities for countries at the strategic level to prepare the aviation sector for a post-crisis situation.
In addition to supporting countries and the aviation sector to overcome the challenges associated with the virus and re-operations and the movement of flights all over the world and reconnecting the airports again taking into account the preventive precautions and health measures issued by the international and local health authorities to create a more flexible aviation system for the future. The working group is comprised of members of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, representatives and heads of the global aviation sectors and United Nations organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Tourism Organization.
In this context, the Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saif Al Suwaidi, said: "The United Arab Emirates welcomes the initiative taken by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO, that the government of the United Arab Emirates attaches the highest importance to international cooperation to its importance in overcoming challenges and recovery from The effects of the crisis, the air transport sector is one of the main pillars of global social and economic growth, as it is one of the basic sectors for economic development, job creation, tourism and business support, and the stimulation of foreign investment and international trade. Aviation is one of the priorities of global governments. "
He added: "On the local level, the UAE always seeks to support the economy and ensure the continuity of those affected by the spread of the Covid-19 virus around the world. The General Authority of Civil Aviation held several coordination meetings with national transportation companies and the relevant authorities to discuss the impact of the virus on the civil aviation sector in the country and solutions The authority and its strategic partners work in coordination with government agencies under the umbrella of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to develop a comprehensive strategy that seeks to limit the damage caused by this global epidemic. ”
For its part, the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the International Civil Aviation Organization, Captain Aisha Al-Hamli, stressed the importance of international cooperation.
"The nomination of the United Arab Emirates reflects the importance of the leadership role that the UAE plays at the international level as an active member of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization since 2007," Al-Hamli said. "The team is tasked with developing strategic priorities and policies in cooperation with all of our partners to ensure safe and recoverable recovery during the Covid-19 epidemic and beyond. We also look forward to long-term plans to build a resilient and responsive aviation sector."
In turn, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the General Authority of Civil Aviation Ismail Mohamed Al Balushi said: “The UAE expects a gradual recovery and global support to restore air traffic. Even before the complete stop of passenger traffic, the Emirates was working on the concept of resumption, and accordingly the Aviation Recovery Team will receive On the full support of the Emirates We have very high expectations on the results of the team in ensuring the resumption of air traffic globally in coordinated, studied and successful ways.
And it is necessary that the partners in the aviation sector of various functions and specializations be provided with directions and protocols that will be implemented to ensure orderly and safe post-crisis aviation, including examining all travelers coming to the UAE in flexible ways that reduce disruption in travel.