GOOD GOVERNANCE AND POVERTY REDUCTION

Arguments can be made that slow aviation growth is inevitable in poor countries, given the limited extent of the tourism product, service conditions, infrastructure constraints, problems of sustainability and,of course airline economics. The overall regionalization and globalization scenario – even modified to reflect development and sustainability – can only provide more of the same for poor countries. Even with the promise of new fair trade opportunities from the Doha Round, so far aviation is included only on a marginal basis. Realistically, even though it is a desirable goal, no headway can be expected in the present phase.

In general, air transport in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) markets is inadequate to support the level of tourism development that would make a radical contribution to poverty reduction. Without a change in policy, institutional reform/restructuring/re-engineering, capacity building and practice, it will sadly remain the same way.

To build on this momentum a proactive "Transport, Tourism and Aviation Development Strategy" is needed – The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) will intensify Aviation Safety and Security systems in the country. At the same time the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) will strengthen Travel Facilitation with development financing earmarked for both security and facilitation. The Doha, Monterrey and Johannesburg Summits and the Millennium Development Goals and National Strategic Development Plan (2006-2010) demand a change in traditional development action – tourism and aviation can play a particularly significant role. It is a window of opportunity for development and poverty reduction.

In the Least Developed Countries (LCDs), such as Cambodia, proper aviation policies could develop tourism as a major export and a primary development tool. The key point is that competitively priced, and frequent air service is a core component of tourism, and in turn a major tool for poverty reduction.

The task of good governance has been made even more difficult as the Government has to cope with efficiency and equity issues, with tools that are not always up to the task, and a lack of adequate technical staff. Important elements of good governance in air transport and civil aviation are:

• Adoption of sustainable strategic policies for aviation management and development,
• Full delegation/devolution of Authority for aviation regulation to the regulator and administrator of aviation infrastructure,
• Adequate management of aviation safety and security,

With respect to management of aviation safety and security, the Government must be accountable and bear responsibility for:

• Ensuring a safe and secure aviation environment for operation,
• Having an enforceable civil aviation legal code and safety and economic regulation,
• Actively carrying out safety and security inspections and audits.

Preparing for the future

Promoting a safety culture is an important area that will continue to be pursued in the Central American Countries. It is noted that the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) is moving towards a comprehensive systems approach and together with the whole international community; we are looking at strengthening the safety management systems (SMS). Collaboration and willingness to participate in the process is necessary to promote a safety culture.

New scenario for air transportation. As a result of the foregoing and the implementation of more open economic policies by the States of the Region, and within government political and economic modernization frameworks, new actors have appeared in the aeronautical market during the last decade. Not only Air traffic service providers and airlines had to be considered as points of reference in this activity, but now airport operators and regulatory bodies were also entering the scene.

From this perspective, the work carried out by aviation organizations henceforth should pay close attention to the opinion of all those that participate in the activity, giving more emphasis to consumer participation, meaning not only the users of air transportation, but also airport users. Due to their new business characteristics, airports have had to change their original set up, since airports are now not only a gateway for aircraft, but also a trade centre for passengers, cargo officials and public alike.