GCAA announces its new strategic plan for the years 2011-2013 under theme 'Towards Golden Horizons'

The plan is also expected to contribute towards establishing the UAE's international presence in this vital sector. Further, GCAA announced the establishment of the National Aviation Studies Centre to train its staff as well as the staff of other aviation authorities in the UAE and elsewhere.

H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of GCAA attended the launch of the new strategy at The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina, and delivered a speech before GCAA's strategic partners and representatives of the UAE civil aviation sector who were present at the event. H.E. Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA, made a presentation about the strategy's main features, innovative vision, objectives and creative initiatives.

In his speech, Al Mansoori pointed out to the continuing strategic partnership with public entities in the UAE's civil aviation sector and the importance of cooperation among all parties in order to drive this sector forward, especially in the light of its increasing growth. He said he was happy with the UAE's achievement of securing a seat on GCAA Council with the votes of majority member states, indicating that this was the result of the UAE's prominent position and GCAA's efforts at preparing for the elections and building support in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also pointed the rewarded of Shaikh Khalifa Excellence Award for Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre on 'Distinguish Technical Experience.'

"In the light of the outstanding achievements locally, regionally and internationally, we obviously need to keep apace with the latest developments through future planning, clear bases, and predetermined programmes. That is why we at GCAA are always on the look for plans, initiatives and updates to secure success," Al Mansoori said.

"As we announce the new strategy for the years 2011-2013 under the theme "Golden Horizons", hoping it will help bring about new achievements and creative initiatives that take the UAE's civil aviation sector to an unprecedented state of excellence, efficiency and effectiveness, we would like to take this opportunity to enhance our partnership with you in this vital sector and announce the establishment of the National Aviation Studies Centre, which will provide training mainly for GCAA staff, as well as the staff of other aviation authorities in the UAE and elsewhere," he added.

"The new vision of GCAA is based on establishing a safe, leading and sustainable civil aviation system. The values under this vision focus on security, safety, human resources, enhanced effective and transparent relations with partners, the implementation of best legal and ethical standards so as to ensure integrity and commitment to professionalism and efficiency in improving operations. These all will ultimately benefit this sector and help modernize working methods," The Chairman of GCAA concluded.

In his presentation on the elements of the new strategy, H.E. Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA, laid down the six objectives for the next three years, namely: ensuring safe and secure operations in the civil aviation sector in accordance with ICAO's standards and best practices, facilitating international connectivity, preparing and developing the UAE's environmental regulations for the aviation sector, influencing world policies in order to balance the needs of partners and international compliance with the preservation of the environment, providing excellent support services for the civil aviation sector, enhancing the UAE's position worldwide as an influential player in the international civil aviation field, enhancing internal operations and developing worthiness, promoting a culture of excellence in line with the best world practices and growth of the aviation field, communicating with and responding to local, regional and international partners, and financial self sustainability.

Al Suwaidi presented statistics and charts demonstrating the current condition of the aviation sector in the UAE and comparing it regionally and internationally. He stressed there were challenges, explained how to face them, analysed weaknesses and strengths addressed by GCAA, and outlined steps to be taken to ensure the required improvement, including the approval of GCAA's new organizational structure, the launch of the national safety programme and the comprehensive transformation project. Al Suwaidi also stressed that the formulation, objectives and visions of the new strategy were inspired by the strategy launched by the federal government for the years 2011-2013.

On her part, Mrs. Laila bin Hareb Al Mehiri, Head of Strategic Planning and Corporate Excellence, GCAA, commented on the launch of the new strategy, "The new future vision of GCAA is to leverage previous achievements in order to create an environment which allows the whole civil aviation system to improve internationally in terms of safety, security and environmental sustainability. GCAA particularly intends to become a prominent international reference in the aviation sector."

"We developed operational plans to make these strategic objectives a reality. However, due to the vital nature of this sector, plans are expected to be modified as new challenges arise. Therefore, these plans will be reviewed whenever necessary in order to reflect changing priorities and use the resources of GCAA as efficiently and as effectively as possible," she added.

A number of strategic partners of GCAA were honoured at the new strategy launching event for their effective role in providing support and constructive cooperation to make the election campaign for the membership of ICAO Council a success.

On the same evening, GCAA held a reception for its staff working at the general headquarters in Abu Dhabi and the regional office in Dubai. Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA delivered a speech, a presentation was made on the new strategy, and a number of outstanding administrative and technical staff were honoured.