Taipei City is set to host the 2019 International Air Safety Summit, attracting some 400 officials, professionals and academics from 50 countries and territories to exchange views on the latest industry trends and propose new directions for strengthening flight operations.
 
Slated for Nov. 4-6 next year, the 72nd edition of the annual event is expected to address issues spanning human factors, management strategies, personnel training and practical solutions. It will mark the first time the summit has been staged in Taiwan.
 
The decision was sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding March 30 between Taipei-based China Aviation Development Foundation and U.S.-headquartered Flight Safety Foundation. Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications and CADF Chairman Wang Kwo-tsai and FSF Vice President Mark Millam inked the accord on behalf of their respective organizations.
 
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wang said that passenger volume at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport increased to 44.9 million last year, highlighting the nation’s status as a major transit hub in the Asia-Pacific. Given this key role in regional transport networks, Taiwan is committed to ensuring the safest possible flight environment and helping strengthen related practices in the international community, he added.
 
According to the CADF, the summit will help raise Taiwan’s profile around the world as well as foster the development of the local aviation industry. It also represents recognition of the country’s expertise in implementing advanced flight safety standards, the foundation said.
 
Established in 1947, the FSF comprises over 1,000 organizations and individuals from 150 countries and territories. Local members include the Civil Aeronautics Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications as well as Taiwan-headquartered international carriers China Airlines, EVA Airways and Far Eastern Air Transport. (KWS-E)
 
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