CAAS launches first safety charter for Singapore aviation sector

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) Monday launched a safety charter to uphold standards as the travel industry recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Charter for a Strong and Positive Safety Culture in Singapore is the first of its kind for the aviation sector here. The launch took place at the annual Aviation Safety Forum at the Pan Pacific Hotel. “Recognising various safety-related challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the charter expresses the shared commitment by leaders in the sector to jointly uphold safety standards and strengthen safety culture in their respective organisations as air travel recovers,” said CAAS. To date, 80 aviation organisations have signed the charter; more are expected to do so in the coming months, said CAAS. They include major airlines, training organisations, maintenance, repair and overhaul firms, aircraft manufacturers, the airport operator, ground handlers, industry associations and unions. The charter sets out to encourage voluntary reporting of safety hazards, unsafe practices and safety errors, and including self-disclosure of mistakes, slips and lapses. It also aims to promote confidentiality and protection from punitive action for self-disclosure of safety lapses and errors, while “not tolerating conduct that constitutes gross negligence, wilful misconduct or criminal activity”, said CAAS.<br/>