Improving aviation safety in times of economic hardship requires the cooperation of all aviation players, regulators and industry. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have therefore put this cooperation at the top of the agenda for this year’s Europe/US International Aviation Safety Conference, which takes place in Athens from 2-4 June.

Some 300 international aviation experts will be examining the current situation and the relationship between industry and regulators, so as to identify potential areas for improvement. Representatives from industry and aviation authorities have been invited to present their views towards achieving a more harmonised implementation of rules and eliminating global disparity.
“Together with the FAA we have put together an agenda that addresses the impact of the current economic situation on the aviation sector”, said Patrick Goudou, the Agency’s Executive Director. “We have learned from our day-to-day business with the industry that new regulatory approaches are needed to help the sector better address this challenging situation without compromising safety”, he added.
Three series of workshops will cover the areas of airworthiness, interoperability/interface issues and operations, while a range of information sessions will focus on current issues of aviation safety, such as Very Light Jets, Fuel Tank Safety, repair stations and the Operational Suitability Certificate. Following up on the last two Conferences, updates in the areas of data sharing and Safety Management Systems (SMS) are also on the agenda.

Speakers include, among others, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), EUROCONTROL, aviation authorities from around the world and industry representatives.

The annual Europe/US Conference is jointly organised by EASA and the FAA. Its aim is to promote co-operation and mutual recognition of safety standards. The conference location alternates between Europe and the United States. This year’s Conference is held in Greece, with the support of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. Next year's venue will be announced in Athens.

For more information visit the website easa.europa.eu/conf2009