GCAA hosts ICAO workshop on reducing carbon emissions

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is hosting a training workshop on ways to set up plans that would reduce carbon emissions, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from June 14^th to 16^th, 2011 at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. 

Hosting the workshops comes as part of ICAO efforts to protect the environment and decrease carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging member countries meanwhile to achieve optimal use of their fleets by equipping aircraft with energy-saving features and reduce the life of the aircraft, as well as updating the fleets with the latest models of aircraft with green technologies. 

The ICAO training workshop will be held in accordance with the ICAO’s General Assembly resolution no A37-19, and will witness the participation of several aviation and environment experts, responsible for developing relevant work plans in their respective countries. The workshop aims at providing them with all necessary information to enable them to develop comprehensive action plans, in the future or as needed, in order to reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment. 

The workshop will also feature an interactive training course to develop the participants’ skills through hands-on training and providing them with information that enables them to set up action plans and submit them electronically so the ICAO could evaluate the situation and help countries partially and totally implement those plans, by assisting in facilitating financial and scientific resources as well as the required expertise. 

Commenting on UAE’s hosting the workshop, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General – UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “hosting this workshop in the UAE asserts our commitment towards providing ongoing support to the ICAO in all aspects that ensure growth of the civil aviation sector. Environment has become one of the major issues being discussed on the international level, with a focus on the climate changes issue. This workshop is the first of its kind to be held in the region, and presents a great opportunity for professionals in the sector and the region to meet, network and exchange their expertise to reach a common, clear vision that ensures sustainability of the aviation sector.” 

He added: “the UAE National carriers, some of which are among the world’s largest airlines, use the most modern and fuel efficient, which is directly reflected on  emission reduction whether in the UAE or the global destinations to which those carriers fly. This significantly contributes to maintaining a clean environment with less carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Laila Ali Bin Hareb Executive Director - Strategy & Corporate Excellence at GCAA, said: “enhancing the leading environmental role that the GCAA already  plays to set advanced regulations and standards in the field is part of the authority’s strategic plans to service the civil aviation sector in this regard. The  UAE, which is witnessing a continuous growth in the civil aviation sector, gives high priority to environmental issues, and holding meetings and workshops of this kind will encourage exchanging views and setting up plans to reduce harmful emissions.” 

The International Civil Aviation Organization is the international body responsible for setting global standards for the Civil Aviation Sector, as well as developing and setting policies, systems and regulations for the sector, including air transport operations, safety, security, air navigation, airport operations, aircraft design and several related aspects.  All UN member countries are members in ICAO, but only 36 are selected to form the organization\s board, which is seen as the regulation body of the ICAO.