Malta, UK agreement on air accident investigation cooperation

The Maltese Bureau of Air Accident Investigation (BAAI), responsible for the investigation of air accidents and incidents, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport.

The purpose of this MOU is for both countries to cooperate in relation to aircraft accident and incident investigations, sharing experience and expertise in investigation techniques in various specialist fields, equipment and research.

The BAAI will benefit from the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, with observer status at accident sites and subsequent off-scene investigative activities.

The parties have also agreed to exchange views on the latest development in European and international standards and share experiences on developing legislation in the territory of each participant that governs aircraft accident and incident investigation.

BAAI Chief Investigator Captain Frank Zammit said, “After various discussions I am pleased to have signed this agreement as it is another means to increase the BAAI’s knowledge and expertise in aviation safety.”

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch acting Deputy Chief Inspector of Air Accidents said “the UK AAIB is pleased to be able provide assistance to Malta through this agreement, it is beneficial that states are able to increase their knowledge and expertise in aviation safety through accident and serious incident investigation using the experience of other established safety investigation authorities”.

Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis stated that the MOU complied with Malta’s vision in strengthening safety and security within the Aviation industry.

“This is another step in the right direction for Malta to continue investing in expertise with a country like the United Kingdom which has deep expertise in the aviation industry,” he said.