MINUTES OF CO-ORDINATION MEETING BETWEEN ALL HUMANITARIAN AIR TRANSPORT OPERATORS (HATO)HELD AT WFP, KINSHASA ON THE 19thSEPTEMBER 2005

Present:

Agency
UNJLC
WFP-HAS
Air Serv
MAF
ASF
ICRC
UNJLC

Welcome - UNJLCwelcomed all participants and explained the mandate of UNJLC and the aim of the meeting. He emphasised the need for co-ordination and sharing of information amongst all humanitarian air transport operators. He thanked all participants for their attendance on short notice.

Discussion

  • Aviation Safety and related issues. The issue of aviation safety and the seriousness of this in the DRC context were discussed at length. All participants expressed concern and it was suggested that all HATO will forward any relevant info to UNJLC who will disseminate it to the other role players. All participants agreed that there is a need to share aviation related information on a regular basis.

Decision:

  1. UNJLC in conjunction with HAS will approach MONUC to seek authority for the participation of the HATO at their bi-monthly aviation safety meeting.
  1. Any information of common interest will be forwarded to UNJLC who would share this info via email with all HATO.
  • Clearance processes. The issue of clearances and the process to handle administrative issues with the aviation authorities in DRC were discussed. All participants are facing similar problems with regard to bureaucracy, no clear guidelines and lack of structure in the process. Apart from this there is also a negative element of transparency when it comes to financial matters and rules and regulations are changed from day to day.

Participants voiced their concerns with the fact that aircraft registered and based abroad but operating within the DRC is liable to the costly process of 3 monthly DAC inspections. This procedure and the cost generating initiatives used by the authorities were discussed at length.

It is the opinion of the forum that aircraft registered abroad with an operating base abroad should be validated in the DRC and as such not be inspected on a 3 month basis.

Decision:

a.It was decided that UNJLC and WFP HAS will take up the matter with the Dep SRSG/ HC in order to seek advice whether it would be advisable to take this up with higher authority within the Government of the DRC.

  • Accommodation: The forum discussed the availability of accommodation at various capitals and the difference in pricing from day to day. It was suggested that all HATO forward info and pricing on their recommended Hotels/accommodation facilities in the DRC.

Decision:

  1. It was decided that once the priced had been obtained the various HATO will negotiate a rate on behalf of the Aircrew using the various facilities.
  • Fuel:According to most of the participants, there is a shortage of fuel in some areas of the country. With the upcoming electoral process, the needs are likely to increase. UNJLCproposed a proactive approach to avoid a shortage over the period.
  • AOB: The HC/DSRSG, MrRossMountain has tasked the HAG/ISMT to prepare a safety audit team to come into the DRC to audit the DRC Commercial airlines. The plan is that this audit team will comprise of various specialists from donor countries/member states, humanitarian organisations and humanitarian Agencies.

The participants welcomed this approach.

The HATO welcomed the initiative for the meeting and voiced their support in enhancing co-operation and co-ordination of the Humanitarian Air Effort.