Kathmandu, December 7:

At a time when several airlines have started showing keen interest to begin operations in the domestic and international sectors in Nepal, we should focus more on aviation safety, Tourism Minister Pradip Gyawali said today.

“We should play a major role in enhancing safety and proper consideration should be given on sustainability of airlines,” he said, addressing a function organised to mark the International Civil Aviation Day.

He also stressed on the need to create an ambience for the viability of air operations.

Committing to work towards creating a “safer sky”, Gyawali said, adoption of suitable or appropriate technology and implementation of “model activities” are a major challenge towards bringing down accident rates. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), can play a lead role in introducing new and appropriate safety standards to reduce air accidents. The theme of the International Aviation Day celebrated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member states worldwide is ‘Safety and security - first and always the top priority.’

Bikas Rana, president of the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal, called on the authorities to review existing aviation regulations, thereby identifying and addressing core issues mentioned in accident reports. He was particularly concerned over the high air accidents, including two fatal crashes this year, and spelt out the need to maintain higher safety standards.

Despite heavy investment on infrastructure development, installation and maintenance of safety equipment and overall management of airports and human resources, the challenges of enhancing air transport accessibility and affordibility in remote areas cannot be overlooked, said Kamal Kumar KC, acting director general of CAAN.

“As we enter a new era of creating a new Nepal, CAAN is committed to responding to the challenges with new thoughts and visions by promoting, coordinating and regulating the development of civil aviation in the country,” he said. He urged all the stakeholders - the government, donor agencies, airlines industry and local communities to support CAAN’s initiatives.

KC further welcomed the extension of the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme - South Asia (COSCAP-SA) for another five years - till 2012.

COSCAP-SA’s recent 16th Steering Committee Meeting held in Kathmandu made this decision. COSCAP-SA was founded in 1997 under ICAO’s technical co-operation programme.