State must consider greater funding for aviation tech development: deputy transport minister

The need for innovation in South Africa’s airspace may require additional funding in the future, including from public funds.

This is according to Deputy Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.

She made the comments when he delivered the keynote address at the opening of the International Flight Inspection Symposium at the Durban International Convention Center on Monday.

Chikunga said the industry has absorbed the costs of technological innovation, often by adding costs to air fares.

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She said there was a greater need for collaboration “even in these highly technical matters” to avoid the risk of travel prices skyrocketing.

“The need for innovation may require additional funds in the future. Innovative technologies in areas other than aviation may have the potential to influence and accelerate changes in aviation, allowing us to keep the net cost per passenger at a constant or reduced pace.

“Industrial research and development and the implementation of the innovation require close cooperation of the aviation industry. In this way, potential risks and threats can be identified and dealt with at an early stage, thereby minimizing development risks. This sector is a renewed reminder to us of the vital need to work together, even on these highly technical matters.”

The biennial symposium is hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority. It is being held in Africa for the first time since its foundation in 1974.

Due to Covid-19, the event has not taken place for the last two years.

< p> Hundreds of stakeholders from the global aviation sector from countries such as Germany, USA, Canada, Turkey and New Zealand attend the symposium to discuss solutions for flight inspection systems, efficiency improvement and error management within the flight inspection room, among others.

Other topics to be discussed are the impact of 5G communication interference on flight inspections and the verification and certification of new flight inspection systems.

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