The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) yesterday concluded its third "Safety Day," this time in Singapore with a focus on ground handling and human factors issues. “Human factors is one of the topical subjects at the moment," said Gary Moran, AsBAA vice chairman and Southeast Asia chapter lead.

"Although there is some discussion if there is a pilot shortage in the industry, we think that there is indeed a shortage of experience,” he added. “Cost savings is important against the backdrop of economic slowdown, but we should strive to still maintain the best standards while saving costs.”

Kurt Edwards, director general of IBAC, made his first appearance at the Singapore safety day, promoting the IS-BAH/IS-BAO standards to the local industry.

Following the inaugural China Safety Day in Beijing in April, AsBAA plans to roll out similar programs in the region and will organize the first such event in Hong Kong in September, said Moran. A similar event in Thailand is in the works.

“There is a real demand and willingness by the industry to participate in these safety days,” Moran said. “The industry is very supportive as well, with support coming from Bombardier in Singapore and Embraer in the Philippines,” he added, revealing that TAG Aviation will host the Hong Kong event.