Following Delta Air Lines' decision to reinstate its Aviation Safety Action Programme (ASAP), the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called on other carriers to do likewise.
"ASAP is a major component to aviation safety," said NTSB acting chairman Mark Rosenker. "We are hopeful that other carriers, who have recently suspended their ASAP will also see the importance and value of these programmes and quickly reinstate them," he added.
Under ASAP, pilots, mechanics, and dispatchers receive immunity from disciplinary action when they voluntarily report any safety-related incidents. The Safety Board believes that proactive safety programmes, which encourage voluntary disclosure of safety issues, are critical to ensuring aviation safety and identifying problems before they lead to accidents.
The memorandum of understanding signed between the carrier, the Air Line Pilots Association and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will identify and correct safety issues, and prevent accidents, says the Board.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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