HARARE, ZIMBABWE | Thursday 20th of February 2025, marks the fourth anniversary of the “International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families”. The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families in 2022, in support of a proposal made by the Air Crash Victims’ Families’ Federation International (ACVFFI). During the fifth meeting of its 224th Session, the ICAO Council designated 20 February of each year as the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their families. Its aim is to provide governments and industry with a reminder of the obligation upon them to improve the care, resources and timely and comprehensive information that accident victims and their loved ones need following such tragic circumstances.
Zimbabwe through the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) joins ICAO and other international partners to stand with the victims and families who were immensely affected by air disasters worldwide. ICAO audits all 193 contracting States to ascertain their safety and security oversight compliance capacity and Effective Implementation (EI) of the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). In alignment with ICAO SARPS, CAAZ remains committed to enhancing aviation safety, security and ensuring the protection of passengers and crew. ICAO emphasizes the need for continuous improvements in safety measures, accident investigation protocols and effective communication with victims’ families.
Key points
- Commitment to safety and security: CAAZ is dedicated to implementing ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices to enhance safety and security in the Zimbabwean airspace. This includes continuous training for aviation personnel, rigorous aircraft maintenance and operation protocols, regular safety and security audits and upgrades on airspace management systems and infrastructure.
- Collaborative Efforts: CAAZ works closely with applicable States aviation authorities and international organizations to share best practices and improve safety and security measures. Collaborative efforts are essential for learning from past occurrences and preventing future tragedies from similar cause(s).
The ICAO Council with the assistance of devoted representatives of victims and their families and the support of all applicable stakeholders, is guaranteeing continuous advocacy and attention for these important global priorities and helping States setting the regulatory framework through the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation SARPS.
Key infrastructure projects
The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development prioritises all matters relevant to the aviation industry including policies conducive for the development of a safe and secure air transport system in line with obligations of Zimbabwe under the Chicago Convention. To ensure an enabling environment for the development of air transport, improved airspace and air traffic management, CAAZ with support of the Government commissioned a number of key aviation infrastructure projects which include the following:
- The Secondary Surveillance Radar System.
- Air Traffic Control Communications System
- The Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment
As we reflect on the pain and sorrow experienced by families, friends and colleagues who have lost loved ones in air disasters, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing aviation safety, security and ensuring the highest standards of operational integrity. As we observe this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety, security and support for those affected by air disasters.
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