KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26:  Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Duaij Al-Otaibi, emphasized the need to improve aviation safety standards and implement effective strategies that ensure the ongoing safety of air operations.

In his opening speech at the 5th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Middle East Safety Summit on Tuesday, Al-Otaibi highlighted the ongoing upgrades to Kuwait International Airport's infrastructure, supported by the country’s political leadership, which is committed to advancing the air transport sector. He stressed that aviation safety is a top priority in the industry, directly contributing to the protection of lives and the sustainability of air travel.

Al-Otaibi noted that cooperation among ICAO member states is critical to achieving these goals, stating that "today's meeting reflects our joint commitment to improving aviation safety standards and is an essential step towards ensuring a safer future." He further emphasized that aviation safety is not optional but a necessity, especially given the growing challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, increased air traffic, and frequent regulatory changes.

The conference will address key issues such as innovations in safety management, strengthening regional and international partnerships, and developing new strategies to maintain aviation safety under various conditions. Al-Otaibi also mentioned that the outcomes of the summit would not just be recommendations but concrete policies and strategies aimed at enhancing global air transport safety.

He urged participants to share their insights and experiences to enrich discussions and help shape the future of the aviation industry. Al-Otaibi also expressed his gratitude to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Middle East Office for their continuous support, as well as to all event organizers, sponsors, speakers, and participants.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Abu Bakr, Director of the ICAO Regional Office in the Middle East, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing global civil aviation through a strategic plan for 2026 to 2050. Abu Bakr outlined the plan's objectives, which include achieving zero fatalities in international aviation due to accidents or unlawful interference, reaching net-zero carbon emissions for civil aviation, and integrating aviation within a thriving, accessible transportation system.

He also noted significant improvements in aviation traffic and safety. According to ICAO reports, global passenger traffic reached 4.2 billion in 2023, a substantial increase from 3.2 billion in 2022, though still slightly below the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion in 2019. Additionally, the number of scheduled commercial flights increased by 13%, totaling more than 35 million departures in 2023, up from 31 million in 2022.

Abu Bakr pointed out that 2023 was the safest year in the past five years, despite a slight 3.1% increase in the number of accidents. The global accident rate decreased to 1.87 accidents per million departures, down from 2.05 in 2022.

The conference serves as a platform for representatives from member states to exchange knowledge and discuss aviation safety issues, new strategies, and the latest technologies that can enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, particularly focusing on ways to reduce carbon emissions.