Zambia Pledges Commitment to Aviation Safety
The ICAO Regional Workshop on the new Annex 14 Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) concluded in Lusaka today, marking four days of technical sessions, regional collaboration, and capacity-building for African aerodrome safety professionals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Captain Derrick Luembe, expressed satisfaction with the region’s preparedness to implement the revised OLS standards.
He outlined Zambia’s next steps, including a national gap assessment, enhanced data systems, improved inter-agency coordination, and prioritisation of continuous training.
“Zambia remains committed to global aviation safety,” Capt. Luembe said, thanking ICAO, SASO, and delegates for their contributions to strengthening aerodrome safety across Africa.
Lead Facilitator Mr. Rajasundaram Shidambararaman, Technical Officer at ICAO Headquarters, urged African States to prioritise capacity-building and align regulatory frameworks with the new technical requirements, describing the revised OLS standards as one of the most significant developments in the past 50 years.
Southern African Safety Oversight Organisation (SASO) representative Mr. Edgar Dupont commended participants for their engagement and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, data-driven assessments, and shared learning to ensure successful implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Nomsa Mojela praised the workshop’s practical structure, noting that Africa’s aviation progress relies on mutual support and collective responsibility to implement the new OLS standards effectively.
Day four focused on tailoring OLS to different aerodrome environments and conducting aeronautical studies to support safe and efficient airport operations. Delegates examined case studies, risk assessment methodologies, and customised approaches to OLS implementation.
The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, underscoring strong regional collaboration and ICAO’s commitment to harmonised OLS standards across the continent.
