Albania, Italy boost civil aviation cooperation

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania and Italy have signed an agreement to boost cooperation in civil aviation. The memorandum of understanding was signed in Tirana by the Director General of the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority, Ervin Mazniku, and his Italian counterpart Alessio Quaranta, said the Transport Ministry in a statement.
Under the agreement, Italy will boost technical assistance to the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority by drafting and implementing an operations supervisory plan and also assist the functioning of Albanian and foreign commercial flight operators.
The memorandum of understanding came immediately after a visit by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mazniku said the implementation of the plan would be based on standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), European Aviation Safety Agency, and best practices of the Italian Civil Aviation practices.
“Under this memorandum, we will improve and modernize supervisory capacities of the Civil Aviation Authority, increase its performance and fulfil the short-term goals this authority has to become a functional part of the European family.”
Meanwhile, the Italian civil aviation director said the signing of the memorandum was another sign of boosting friendship and cooperation between the two civil aviation institutions.
Quaranta said he viewed the agreement as a challenge for the Italian Civil Aviation because it is its first involvement in an inter-institutional relationship, optimistic of its success considering the dedication and will of the parties.
Established in 1991, the mission of the Albanian Civil Aviation is to provide safe, secure and efficient aviation services, an environmentally compatible air transportation system that meets the economic needs of Albania.
It inspects airlines, airports and heliports for compliance with safety and security standards.