UK pilots’ union BALPA has responded to the announcement that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) intends to establish a new task force to look into airspace safety over conflict zones.
In a statement following the ICAO meeting, BALPA said: “We are still a long way from a solution but, we welcome the fact that the UN body has at least acknowledged that there is a problem with the current system that is supposed to protect passengers and crew from becoming targets.”
BALPA also stated: “we are calling on the UK Government to show leadership in ensuring the safety of UK passengers whichever airline they are flying with and wherever in the world. BALPA is seeking an urgent meeting with Ministers to progress a proposal of a joint Department for Transport and BALPA summit on the issue to involve all parts of the British aviation industry including pilots, the Civil Aviation Authority, airlines, air traffic management, Health and Safety Executive and the national aviation security committee.”