IATA opened the World Conference on Safety and Operations in Vietnam.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opened its first World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.
WSOC is the aviation industry's leading meeting to explore all aspects of aviation safety, including flight operations, aircraft operations and emergency response.
The theme of the conference was "Leadership in Action: safer and more effective management". This is the first time IATA is holding a safety conference in Vietnam.
Vietnam Airlines was the host carrier for the WSOC.
IATA head Willie Walsh said flight safety is aviation's highest priority.
"This is reflected in the high level of government participation and the fact that more than 550 safety experts from about 100 carriers, aviation regulators, aircraft manufacturers and other safety stakeholders are attending," Walsh said.
He described Vietnam as an ideal location for WSOC as the country is located "in the heart of Asia" and has strong economic growth.
At the conference, IATA will unveil its Safety Leadership Charter. It contains eight principles, among them regularly assessing and improving safety organization and creating a safe environment for workers.
IATA said the charter has already been signed by more than 20 air carriers from Asia, the Middle East and North America.