The concern related to how Australia was dealing with an audit finding by ICAO of a Significant Safety Concern in relation to the oversight of the aviation industry by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea
The reporter expressed a safety concern regarding the safety of aviation in Papua New Guinea and how CASA have audited PNG operators in light of an adverse ICAO audit finding.
According to the ICAO website in September 2013 an ICAO audit identified a Significant Safety Concern in regards to the ability of the PNG Aviation regulator to properly oversee the airlines (air operators) under its jurisdiction. The reporter has questioned whether in light of this finding, CASA has conducted more rigorous audits of the PNG operators operating to and from Australia for the initial issue or renewal of a Foreign Aircraft Air Operator’s Certificate.
The following report was also sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The reporter expressed a safety concern regarding the safety of aviation in Papua New Guinea and how the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are informing the travelling public of the dangers involved.
According to the ICAO website in September 2013 an ICAO audit identified a Significant Safety Concern in regards to the ability of PNG to properly oversee the airlines (air operators) under its jurisdiction. The reporter has questioned whether in light of this finding, DFAT will consider upgrading their travel advice to ensure that the public are also made aware of the danger of flying to and from PNG on PNG airlines.
The report was sent to both CASA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Response from CASA:
CASA has reviewed the REPCON and understands the significant safety concerns that ICAO published on 17 September 2013 following the ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions Audit conducted on 5-12 August 2013 on the Civil Aviation Authority PNG. In response to the audit findings, CASA increased its oversight on all PNG operators holding a current Foreign Aircraft Air Operator Certificate (FAAOC), and all FAAOC applications (initial & renewal) continue to be rigorously assessed.
Response from DFAT:
I note that the travel advice for PNG includes clear information for Australian travellers on airline safety. The travel advice also directs Australians seeking further information to the air travel page on the website which links to the same URL on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) website as is quoted in the REPCON report.
I understand that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) oversees the safety-related aspects of airlines and aircraft which fly into and within Australia, including PNG airlines. I am not aware of any measures taken by CASA to limit access to Australian airspace by PNG airlines on the basis of the ICAO findings.
Due to the current robust warnings to Australian travellers on the risks of flying in PNG and the inclusion of the relevant ICAO URL in the air travel page, I consider that a specific reference to the ICAO findings in the travel advice for PNG would not add meaningfully to the existing strong warning on aviation safety issues.