Alexandria, VA and Panama City, Panama, June 18, 2012 — The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) and Copa Airlines of Panama announced an agreement today for Foundation technical experts to work with Copa Airlines to enhance the effectiveness of the aviation safety system in Panama.
The agreement outlines that the Foundation will work directly with Copa Airlines, the Panamanian Civil Aeronautics Authority (AAC), and the Commercial Aviator’s Union of Panama (UNPAC) to enhance the effectiveness of the state’s safety programs and operator’s Safety Management System, with an initial focus on safety reporting systems. Copa Airlines has joined the Foundation as a benefactor member and will help the Foundation reach out to other regional carriers and regulatory authorities that could benefit from similar assistance.
“SMS is a complicated process and we are finding that our expertise can help maximize the effectiveness of the existing safety resources,” commented FSF Deputy Director of Technical Projects Rudy Quevedo. “We anticipate that this project could develop into a template for other airlines and regions who may also be working to improve their aviation safety system in the most efficient way possible.”
“The most tangible benefit of SMS is obtained by integration of the operator, regulator and service provider’s safety systems” stated Jose Eduardo Rodriguez, Director of Quality and Safety for Copa Airlines. “We have great expectations for the final product of this project, which we are certain is part of the maturity process of SMS and translates to direct benefits to the operator, regulator, industry, and ultimately our customers.
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Flight Safety Foundation (flightsafety.org) is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.
Contact: Emily McGee, Director of Communications, 1-703-739-6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org