Global aeronautical conference opens in Kampala

The global conference on aeronautical data opened Tuesday with discussions revolving around the latest trends and changes in the aeronautical profession.

The conference is hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in conjunction with the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Association (IFAIMA). It brings together industry lead players and exhibitors of the latest trends in aviation technology.

IFAIMA is a body that brings together Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) professionals and associations world over. Uganda is affiliated to IFAIMA through the Uganda Aeronautical Information Service Officers' Association (UGAISOA),

The conference dubbed "Global AIM KAMPALA 2017" that takes place between the 23^rd and 25^th May, is held under the theme No AIS Left Behind'. It is hosted at the Kampala Serena Hotel. Delegates from over 60 countries attended the conference.

Top on the agenda for discussion was the transition from Aeronautical Information Systems (AIS) to Aeronautical Information Management (AIM).

While speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Mike Ndawula, chairman CAA's board of directors described the aviation discipline as a highly specialized one that calls for regular professional interactions aimed at benchmarking to ensure implementation of best industry practices across the board.

He said the conference seeks to map better ways of aeronautical information service provision.

"Efforts to ensure that No AIS Is Left Behind ought to be applauded as the transition from AIS to AIM is to ensure that there is enhancement of safety through reduction of human errors," Ndawula said.

"The provision of safe and reliable aeronautical information is of great importance in the aviation industry and the world over because it contributes to the regular efficient and economical conduct of flights," David Mpango Kakuba, CAA's acting managing director said.

Minister of Works and Transport, Eng. Monica Azuba Ntege addressing delegates during the official opening of the conference at Serena Hotel. Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

Kakuba said CAA Uganda recognises the importance of this conference and it is for this reason that we have consistently participated.

"In line with this year's conference theme, "No AIS Left Behind", our Aeronautical information systems have progressively undergone a transition from manual to digital aeronautical data information provision including implementation of the quality management systems standards," he also said.

While officiating at the opening of the conference on behalf of the prime minister, works and transport minister, Monica Azuba Ntege, said Uganda has undertaken a number of infrastructural developments in line with Global Air Navigation plans and regionally agree targets like the automation of AIM systems at Entebbe International airport.

"The new system, which has enabled automated management of flight plans and notices to airmen (NOTAM), has led to efficiency and reduction in costs incurred by air operators. All products and services provided by AIS can be accessed online," Ntege said.

She also said while air transport is known to be the safest mode of transport, an unfortunate air calamity leads to loss of many lives and property compare to all other modes of transport. The theme for the conference is, therefore, extremely appropriate.

She added that in the next few months, CAA Uganda will undertake upgrade of the communication line from aeronautical fixed telecommunication network to more modern air

Roberta Luccioli, an AIM technical officer at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) said the ultimate objective of the AIM is to provide users with information they can trust but this can only happen if the information represents the perspective of the data providers, consumers and complies with the agreed quality standards.

She, however, noted that there are still a number of challenges that hinder the transition like the implementation of quality management standards (QMS) among some countries.