Between the accident with Maya Island Air and the suspension of flights by local carriers to Guatemala - you've probably heard a lot about civil aviation this week. But today, school children who visited the Civil Aviation Day at the Marion Jones Stadium got a first flush of the thrill of flight. I was there for that special moment.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
It may not have had the turnout that the Belize Civil Aviation Authority and others serving the industry were hoping to achieve but the expo held to observe World Civil Aviation Day certainly kept the skies above the Marion Jones Sporting Complex busy with a lot of air activity. There was the spectacular parachute jump and a helicopter rescue. The simulation was conducted by the British Army Training Support Unit and the Belize Emergency Response Ambulance Service, BERT.
The day marked sixty three years of organized flying around the world and the region.
Jose Contreras, Director of Civil Aviation
"This year's theme for International Civil Aviation Day is global air transport: a driver of sustainable, economic, social and cultural development. It focuses on the benefits of air transport around the world."
It was also a day to remember seven Belizean pilots who lost their lives. A wreath was laid at the monument erected at the Belize City municipal in memory of the fallen aviators. In his official opening address Minister of Transport Joe Coye spoke about the achievements made in Belize aviation history.
Hon. Joe Coye, Minister of Transport
"That we in the public sector needed to become better partners in the development of this important industry and having heard the call we manifest in our determination to provide better stewardship. We are pleased to note an increase in international flights to and from Belize and that one of our own local airlines Maya Island Air started operations to and from Honduras."
Coye says just as they have been encouraging an increase in international flights to and from Belize that has resulted in ongoing discussions with at least four major airlines equal support will also be given to the local airlines who want to expand their services outside of the country.
But while it seems that aviation industry in Belize has taken off there are still major obstacles on the ground. The local airlines have expressed concern over the unsafe conditions of a number of runways like the airstrips in Punta Gorda and Corozal. While Coye would not discuss the problem in the north he says there is much work being done in the south and east of the country.
Joe Coye,
"And is finalizing plans for the moving of the Punta Gorda airport to another location early next year. A development plan that will chart the future of the Belize City Municipal Airport is still under consideration."
And it was there that we found this group of students from St. Mary's Primary School eagerly making their way to board a Maya flight.
Victor Vernon, Chief of Operations - Maya Island Air
"Apart from being one of the largest airlines in Belize here, we want to demonstrate that we are also the safest airline in the country of Belize. As a donation to the schools and to the aviation day, we decided to put free flights for the kids."
It was a thrill because it was for most of these boys girls their first plane ride.
Student #1,
"Around the city to sea cayes and the different ships."
Jacqueline Godwin,
So you all enjoyed the rides?
Students: Yes.
Student #2,
"It didn't feel bad. We just went over there and when it turned to the side, I was frightened."
Jacqueline Godwin,
What was the plane ride like?
Student #3,
"It was fabulous. It wasn't my first time but it was my first time I've been in an airplane actually."
According to Operations Officer for Air Transport and Aviation Security Gilberto Torres over the past twp years much work has been done to ensure air safety as a result of an IDB security project that was initiated following the 9/11 tragedy in the United States.
Gilberto Torres, Operations Officer - Air Transport/Security
"We watched with great disbelief while aircrafts were being used as weapons of mass destruction, events which created havoc in the skies and eventually led to a global economic crisis. These therefore brought on the urgent need to adapt standards and regulations to the new reality and to adopt additional airport security standards. I must say that the Department of Civil Aviation as the regulatory body in civil aviation matters, and in this case through the aviation security unit, will continue remaining at the forefront and will continue to do so to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the economic, social, and cultural benefits of air travel."
But as International Civil Aviation Day was observed, late this evening 7NEWS received a call informing us that the air traffic control tower operators are protesting. When we contacted those affected it was confirmed that the operators are not satisfied with a salary increase, apparently what they asked for is not what they got. So as a result at least for today, they are not using the radar but manual service to direct aircraft. It is not known just how long the protest will continue but our source indicates that on Monday they should be meeting with government to come up with an amicable solution.
