Efforts to prevent one of the most common types of air accidents – when aircraft veer off the runway – have been announced by Iata.
The association has joined with 16 other aviation organisations to develop a European action plan for the prevention of runway excursions.
13% of all accidents in European airspace were runway excursions in 2011. Globally, runway excursions represent 19% of all accidents, according to Iata.
The aim is to reduce the level by providing operational and system recommendations to aircraft operators, air navigation service providers, airports, and regulatory authorities.
Iata safety, operations and infrastructure senior vice president Güenther Matschnigg said: “Since 2008 Iata has made reducing runway excursions a priority.
“This action plan is the latest element in our global effort, complementing the runway excursion risk reduction toolkit which was revised in 2011.
“Together they build a common awareness of the issue among the key players, and that will allow us to continue to reduce the risks and the occurrences.”
He added: “Teamwork is critical. The action plan ensures that all the players in Europe are aligned and focused on a common set of tools to improve runway safety.
“Along with making European aviation even safer, it sets a good example of co-operation that could be taken up in other regions.”