The issue of airport safety was the focus of attention at a Safety Fair held at the VC
Bird International Airport on Tuesday.
Organised by American Airlines, with support from the Antigua and Barbuda
Airport Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Airlines Association, the different
stakeholders involved in the operations at the airport, made presentations
explaining how safety factored into their respective operations.
A spokesman for the organisers said the fair, which ran for four hours, was aimed
at informing members of the public on the various ways in which safety issues
remain prominent in the planning and execution of all aspects of the operations at
the airport.
For example, one key stakeholder group, the Air Traffic Controllers, demonstrated
how they work to keep aircraft separated and safe while they enter or depart
Antigua and Barbuda’s airspace.
Other issues that were raised include the types of clothing, such as decal vests and
even shoes that are worn at some key points at the airport. The airport authority
used the opportunity to highlight the many ways it is at work keeping the entire
airport as a safety zone.
“Safety is managing risk at acceptable levels, and that was emphasized throughout
the fair,” the spokesman said.
He added that the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of airport operations were highlighted, and
how seemingly mundane things such as debris on the airport runway can be
dangerous.
