BOBASIO Meet to Enhance Regional Aircraft Operations Security

Airports Authority of India (AAI) hosted the fourth high-level meeting of the neighbouring air navigation service providers of various states within Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean (BOBASIO) of the Asia Pacific Region in Kolkata from 22  to 24 September.  The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Ram Lal, Executive Director, Air Traffic Management in the presence of  Shri A. K. Dutta, ED (ATM) and Shri Bhaduri, Regional Executive Director  Eastern Region, Kolkata. In this meeting, delegates from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, Sechyelles, Somalia, Indonesia and Male participated.  The representatives from India Meteorological Department, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, DGCA India and senior officials of Airports Authority of India were also present on the occasion.  A total of 14 working papers and 10 information papers were presented at the meeting.  Discussions were held on subjects like performance based navigation, airspace safety monitoring, flexible use of airspace, aeronautical information services, search and rescue, contingency plans, ADS-B, satellite based navigation and cyber security.   The three-day deliberations aimed at achieving the objectives of inter-regional and intra-regional ANS initiatives towards enhanced safety of aircraft operations in the region and a global ATM harmonisation.             BOBASIO was founded with the   objective of accelerating the implementation of ANS programmes in the Region through 4 Cs-collaboration, co-ordination, co-operation and communication among the states in the sub region.  ICAO has recognized the initiative as an effective mechanism for regional cooperation and appreciated the innovative and leading role played by Indian air navigation service providers. The   earlier three BOBASIO meetings hosted by AAI resulted in the resolution of ATS coordination-related issues among BOBASIO states, coordination for implementation of common separation standards, updating of search and rescue and sharing of the best ATM international practices among other significant benefits.   Courtesy: pib.nic.in