- Speech by the President of the Executive Board Michael Constantinides
- Speech by the Executive Director Christos Petrou Your, Excellency Minister of Transport, communications and Works Mr. Giannis Karousos, Members of the parliament
- Key Note Address by the European Regional Director of IATA Mr. Giancarlo Buono
Dear Minister, Members of the Parliament, Dear Director for Europe of IATA, Diplomatic Missions in Cyprus, Ladies and Gentlemen,
When 12 years ago, Christos Petrou came up with an idea to create in Cyprus a Foundation on Flight Safety, both, the, then Minister of Transport Nicos Nocolaides as well as myself (as Director General of the Ministry), believed that creating such organisation would be a good idea for a number of reasons, such as:
1. Cyprus being an island, air communication is of high importance and the only practical way to connect people with the outside world, quickly and effectively.
2. The economy of the country is greatly depended on tourism.
3. The airspace of Cyprus and its FIR (which is 19 times the size of tits territory), are of strategic importance for the SE Mediterranean region.
4. Cyprus is the only Member / State of the EU in this region.
5. Cyprus is facing serious problems as regards the flight Safety in its FIR, as a result of Turkeys illegal actions.
In view of the above, we hoped that such an NGO would be able to disseminate useful information and provide education on flight safety issues.
The goal not only was achieved over the years by numerous activities (as Christos will expand), but a number of many initiatives carried out by FSF – MED go beyond the simple provision of information and education. Some of these activities related to important and regional issues, and our foundation contributed to a successful outcome.
One may wonder, ladies and gentlemen, how it is possible a small organisation such as FSF – MED is able to carry out important work for aviation safety, as well as political issues related to the above. The answer to this question is that (right from the outset), both the Board as well as the members, of FSF – MED are experts in various aspects of aviation, leading unique in its field at least in Cyprus. All these experts work collectively and with dedication to aviation
Concluding this short introduction, I would like to say that: Had it been for the financial support we received from our sponsors, we would have not be able to carry out this activities of the last 12 years. We thank them publicly for helping us towards our goals which are to promote Cyprus and the region on the sensitive issue, that of Flight Safety, something that should never being taken for granted.
Thank you.
Director of IATA, Mr. Giancarlo Buono
Ladies and gentlemen,
We would like to welcome you to this event which coincides with the 12 years existence, of Flight Safety Foundation Mediterranean.
We have prepared a small program for you today with short interventions and brief speeches by the President of the Executive Board Mr. Michael Constantinides , the Executive Director Mr. Christos Petrou and a Key note address by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Giannis Karousos.
After lunch the Regional Director of IATA, Mr. Giancarlo Buono, will address a Key note, on the “Challenges and Opportunities for Air transport restart in Europe”.
1. I now call to the stand the President of the Executive Board Mr. Michael Constantinides.
2. We thank Mr. Constantinides and now, I call the Executive Director, Mr. Christos Petrou.
3. We thank Mr. Petrou. I call now to the stand the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Giannis Karousos.
4. We thank Mr. Karousos. I call now to the stand the Executive Director Mr. Petrou for the presentation of an Award in memory of the late President of FSF – MED Iacovos Papadopoulos.
5. Thank you all, and now its lunch time.
6. LUNCH
7. Hello again, we hope that you enjoyed your lunch. I call now to the stand the Regional Director of IATA, Mr. Giancarlo Buono, who will address a Key note, on the “Challenges and Opportunities for Air transport restart in Europe”.
8. Thank you Mr. Giancarlo and we wish you a safe trip back home. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here with us today. Goodbye.
