Accra (Greater Accra) 9 Dec.,

The belief that air transport remains the safest mode of transportation today is being jeopardized by the increase in aviation accidents. Efforts must therefore be made to scale down the rate of accidents as the industry grows from 1.35 billion passengers to two billion passengers in the next few years. This was contained in a statement by the president of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Dr.. Assad Kotaite to mark "International Civil Aviation Day" which was celebrated yesterday. It was under the theme "Enhancing Flight Safety through global co-operation." Dr.. Kotaite noted that safety was the focal points much of ICAO's activities this year and called on governments not to divert from their responsibility of ensuring the optimum level of safety in the face of globalisation, privatization, economic liberalization and emergence of new technology. In his message, the secretary general of ICAO, Renato Claudio Costa Tereira said the high level of safety inspires confidence in an industry which contributes significantly to the economy of every nation through job creation and economic output. He pledged to work with all members and partners in ensuring that "ICAO Fulfils its roles of guiding civil aviation into the 21 century and providing people on earth with the safest and most efficient International Civil Aviation System." ICAO was created in 1944 as a specialised united nations agency mandated to ensure the safety and orderly development of International Civil Aviation.

Gri.