More than 250 professionals representing the various sectors of the regional aviation industry attended a two-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur on the continued improvement of aviation safety and efficiency. The Engineering and Maintenance Human Factors Workshop, held on 28 - 29 November 2005 and organized jointly by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provided an unique opportunity and a forum for the participants to have a focussed and provocative exchange of ideas on the important fundamentals and applications of human factors. More importantly, it reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to safety.

Human factors is the assessment of people and their interaction with their environments. It takes into account the use of procedures and correct handling of equipment with the objective of reducing or entirely removing the potential for human error, thereby enhancing safety efficiency and effectiveness.

In his introductory remarks, the Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, Mr Andrew Herdman, said that: “Thanks to a long history of dedication and commitment to safety, air travel remains the safest mode of commercial transportation. However, we must of course remain vigilant and always strive for continuous improvements in our safety management processes.”

Andrew Herdman also added that: “Asia Pacific aviation already plays a very significant role in global aviation, accounting for about one-fifth of global passenger traffic and one-third of global cargo traffic. This is set to grow further in the years ahead, adding to the challenges we face in ensuring that air travel remains safe and efficient. This only reinforces the need for all parties to work closely together, further strengthening regional collaboration.”

Reinforcing key messages on safety and welcoming the participants of the workshop was Ms Nancy Graham from the FAA’s Asia Pacific Regional Office in Singapore, who said: “FAA is proud to co-sponsor this workshop to promote global aviation safety and sustain or even improve our collective impressive record. And together with our co-organizers, gracious host, sponsors and most importantly you – our participants, I know we will take one more step forward to doing just that.”

Formally opening the workshop on 28th November, Tengku Dato’ Seri Azlan Ibni Sultan Abu Bakar, the Deputy Minister of Transport for Malaysia supported by YB Dato’ Ir Kok Soo Chon, Director General of Civil Aviation, Malaysia, noted in his opening address, the efforts of the Government of Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a centre of excellence for aerospace maintenance repair and overhaul activities. He acknowledged the challenges ahead for aviation when dealing with both new technology aircraft and aging aircraft. He emphasised the importance of addressing human factors and efforts to increase the skill and knowledge base of the workforce.

The workshop was well-attended by participants from government agencies, airlines, maintenance repair and overhaul organizations (MROs), training organizations, aircraft and airframe manufacturers, as well as human factor experts, specialists and professionals, reflecting the importance and recognition of Human Factors in the drive to further enhance aviation safety and efficiency.