Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha delivered a message yesterday in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Day 2023.
He said, “The International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated every December 7 globally. For the fourth consecutive year, the theme is ‘Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development’.
“It is an annual event that underscores the significant role of civil aviation in connecting people, culture and economy. It also highlights the role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other aviation authorities in ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable aviation practices.
“With the resumption of air travel towards normalcy, the Brunei International Airport has witnessed positive signs of recovery in air connectivity, where the number of airlines operating and inbound and outbound destinations increasing.
“The number of passengers passing through the airport has also witnessed an increase, where the air traffic statistic for Q3 2023, has recorded 980,924 passengers passing through the airport compared to only 272,381 passengers for the same period in 2022.
This can also be attributed to passenger’s post-pandemic confidence in the airline and airport operations’ health, safety and security practices.
“The Sultanate, through the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) as a member of ICAO, remains committed to ensuring that the aviation industry fully adheres with the safety and security requirements established under the Brunei Aviation Requirements (BARs), and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) which conforms to the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
“Compliance is continuously monitored by the authority with the purpose of ensuring safe and secure air transport operations. This is also aligned with MTIC 2025 strategic objectives that cover the uphold of safety standards in the transport and infocommunications sector.
“In line with the International Civil Aviation Day theme, innovation plays an integral role in the development of the aviation industry and in ensuring that safety standards are met and fulfilled.
“The DCA is committed to compliance with the requirements of the ICAO Regional and Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and achieve seamless air navigation by 2030.
“This includes the implementation of performance based navigation methodology that leverages on the capabilities of modern aircrafts and navigation technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity within the airspace system.
“In support of the DCA’s improvement initiatives, ICAO via their Implementation Support Mission has supported improvements of Brunei International Airport and Air Navigation Services.
“Several activities and workshops to elevate the readiness of all relevant stakeholders in dealing with flight operations and terminal building services and emergencies have also been implemented.
“Other initiatives conducted with ICAO’s technical assistance include a review of our aerodrome regulatory framework and aerodrome operations to assure compliance with SARPs and attaining ICAO certification for the Brunei International Airport. Various national development plan projects are also currently being progressed. These projects aim to enhance the safety and security capability at the Brunei International Airport.
“These encompass upgrading the existing aerodrome infrastructure, aerodrome facilities, and navigational aid systems. These will further enhance the airport’s safe operations and indirectly promote the air transport sector’s sustainable and resilient development.
“Brunei is also developing its first-ever state action plan on aviation emission reductions in line with ICAO’s state action plan to encourage ICAO member states to act and advance its initiatives on environmental protection.
“The Sultanate’s first action plan will enable the DCA to map out its proposed initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from international flights and establish its climate change strategy for the international aviation sector.
“This first-ever submission of Brunei Darussalam’s state action plan to ICAO will affirm our commitment towards implementing climate-action efforts and contribute towards ICAO long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“In commemoration of the International Civil Aviation Day, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the DCA, all aviation professionals, the airlines, aviation stakeholders, industry players and all people involved for your steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standard of professionalism and dedication towards maintaining a safe, efficient and growing sustainable air transport industry that supports our Brunei Vision 2035 goals.”
