Oman Air Hosts Gulf Flight Safety Association Conference

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, recently hosted the Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA) meeting at the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat, in association with Boeing. In attendance were delegates from Boeing, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Oman Air, Royal Flight Oman, Presidential Flight AD, Royal Air Force, Royal Oman Police, Air Navigation Services of Oman, Petroleum Development Oman, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Minerals Development Oman, Middle East Airlines, Gulf Air, Saudia Airlines, Emirates, Oman Airports, Transom, Flynas, Al Sharqiya Aviation, Unified Aviation, Salam Air, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Skyart, Aerogulf Services, and MB Group.

The first day of the meeting involved workshops, presentations and discussions on various relevant topics with the participation of working groups from Flight Operations, Flight Data Forum, Ground Operations, Cabin Safety and Helicopters. The workshops allowed participants to present, share and discuss best practice and safety related matters in a confidential environment. Additionally, they provided an opportunity to network, exchange information and experiences, as well as discuss safety matters specific to the post-COVID era.

The second and final day of the meeting included presentations from each subgroup covering their key focus areas, including ‘Global Aerospace Safety Initiatives’ by Boeing; and ‘Global Data Management Program, Incident Database Analysis, Flight Data Exchange Analysis, Benefits to Operators and Safety Enhancement Initiatives’ by IATA. Captain Fahd Cynndy, the GFSA Chairman and CEO of SAEI, presented ‘MRO Safety and its Relationship with the Aviation Ecosystem’. Meanwhile, Captain Waheed Al Subhi, Senior Manager – Safety and Emergency Response Planning, presented Oman Air’s fleet, achievements, and safety challenges. An engaging panel discussion was conducted on the challenges of Safety Management System implementation, safety leadership, and change management.

Captain Nasser Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer at Oman Air, welcomed the delegates and emphasised the importance of such meetings, as well as expressing his appreciation to the GFSA Chairman, Captain Fahd Cynndy, for the opportunity to hold the prestigious event in Sultanate of Oman.

The Gulf Flight Safety Association was originally founded in Oman in 2004 by a group of Gulf-based safety professionals from various aviation companies located within the GCC region. The group meets quarterly to discuss safety improvement initiatives, as well as coordinating with international bodies like IATA and ICAO.

Captain Waheed Khalfan Al Subhi concluded the event by thanking the attendees, Boeing, and the management of GFSA for ensuring the success of the meeting. The GFSA Chairman also extended his thanks to Oman Air for their hospitality.

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