Data analytics and cyber security will be key to improving aviation safety

• Hosted by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, day two of World Aviation Safety Summit focuses on impact of data analysis and developments in cyber security on state of safety in the global aviation industry
• Huw Ross, Helios: cyber security within aviation is still at an early stage of development.

12 December 2018, Dubai, UAE:   The importance of utilizing data analytics and improving cyber security across aviation organizations were the central focus areas for day two of the 6th annual World Aviation Safety Summit. The  event is being hosted by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), at Roda Al Bustan, Dubai. 

The summit welcomed more than 300 regional and international experts to discuss a range of topics that are top priorities for safety of the air transport sector. These ranged from ground handling incidents, communications, dangerous goods, flight data, effective management and reduction of flight overlap, safety performance, as well as evaluating best practices within the industry. 

In the first session, Sally Longstaff, Safety Analyst, Group Safety at Emirates, reviewed a range of techniques and methods for obtaining the best possible data for safety decision makers based on statistics. The Head of Flight Safety at NetJets Europe gave a presentation on how flight data can be used to enhance safety management systems. 

Huw Ross, principal consultant at Helios, spoke about the cyber threats facing the international air transport sector as the industry has faced a range of cyber challenges and risks. He called for stakeholders at all levels to continue focusing on understanding these threats and their impact on safety. The UAE has invested heavily in trying to address these threats, having developed a range of legal frameworks and legislation as well as efforts to establish special centers to monitor these risks. He added that the aviation industry as a whole is working more closely than ever with IT consultants to tackle cyber security challenges and that cyber security within aviation is still at an early stage of development. 

Bikhal Jha, lecturer at the Modern College of Business and Science, analysed a number of ways and means of enhancing the quality of the capabilities of air navigation control centers and crew. The participants also heard a presentation by Dr. Edma Naddaf, Founder and president of EDMA Exec on employee assistance programmes and safety and the impact this can have on workers within the industry. 

The second day of the summit also included a series of interactive workshops, including one on the development of advanced training programs in aviation safety in the Middle East and North Africa region, and on risk management and forecasting, as well as a workshop on safety management systems.

Khalid Al Arif, Executive Director Aviation Safety and Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority commented that this year's edition of the Summit has succeeded in attracting the world's leading experts to discuss and exchange experiences on the most important issues related to safety of the aviation sector. He added that Dubai is an industry leader as a global hub for air transport linking the East and West of the world through a world-class infrastructure with some of the highest global standards.

The 2018 edition of the Summit has brought together local and international stakeholders, providing a platform to assess the latest aviation safety procedures and future-proof regulatory frameworks. Attendees and participants include officials from regulatory authorities, airline and airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, pilot associations, safety organizations and air traffic control service providers.