EU launches two regional aviation safety initiatives in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: The European Union has launched two regional aviation safety initiatives in Kathmandu under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP). The events have brought together aviation authorities, airlines, industry representatives and technical experts from across South Asia.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Tuesday began the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP), organised jointly with ATR. Running until June 25, the module focuses on Crew Training and Operational Standards and addresses human and procedural aspects of flight operations, including decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management.

Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, Thomas Millar, said air safety is a priority for the Government of Nepal and noted recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech aimed at addressing concerns of the European Commission. “We also appreciate the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan,” he said.

Millar added that the EU and its Member States remain committed to working with the Government of Nepal to raise safety levels. “Both the EU and its Member States are already providing technical assistance and have worked closely with all stakeholders to support progress,” he said.

A distinctive element of the RASP module is the participation of regional airlines, which will share operational experience, practical case studies and lessons learned alongside industry experts. The programme aims to promote practical and sustainable approaches to aviation safety by bringing together regulators, operators and industry representatives.

Kathmandu will also host a Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI) from June 29 to July 2. The workshop will review recent developments in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts to support authorities and industry in implementing evolving international requirements.

The EU–South Asia APP is part of the wider EU–Asia Aviation Partnership Project, a regional technical cooperation programme funded by the European Union and implemented by EASA. The project supports civil aviation authorities and stakeholders across South Asia through regulatory dialogue, technical exchange and targeted capacity-building activities, with the stated aim of promoting high levels of aviation safety and effective oversight in line with international standards and the objectives of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

(With inputs from RSS)