Boeing and Cranfield University have partnered with aviation regulatory bodies in West Africa to strengthen safety oversight, improve regulatory capacity and prepare the region’s aviation industry for projected fleet expansion.

The partnership, which also involves the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) and the Civil Aviation Agency of Cabo Verde (AAC), is expected to promote knowledge sharing, harmonise regulatory practices and improve the capacity of aviation authorities to address emerging safety challenges.

The collaboration is being implemented through a five-day regulatory excellence workshop in Praia, Cabo Verde, which began this week, with 24 professionals from civil aviation authorities and airlines across West Africa participating.

The initiative came against the backdrop of projections that Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet would more than double over the next 20 years, increasing the need for stronger regulatory institutions, adequately trained personnel and effective safety management systems.

Speaking on the initiative in a statement yesterday, Boeing’s Safety and Regulatory Partnerships Director for Africa, the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia and Europe, Kayode Ariwodola, said the workshop was designed to strengthen regulatory capabilities across national borders and support a more harmonised aviation ecosystem in West Africa.

“This workshop demonstrates how open dialogue can strengthen regulatory capabilities across borders and support a more harmonised aviation ecosystem in West Africa.

“The collaboration between industry stakeholders and government agencies is essential to ensuring safe and efficient growth in air traffic,” he said.

Also, BAGASOO’s Executive Director, Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva, said aviation authorities needed to continuously improve their institutional capacity and share knowledge to keep pace with technological and operational changes in the industry.

Silva explained that the workshop would translate these priorities into practical learning opportunities to strengthen the ability of BAGASOO member states to maintain effective safety oversight.

The programme brings together subject-matter experts from Boeing and Cranfield University to deliver training on regulatory standards, safety management systems, aircraft accident investigation, emergency response and disruption management.
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