15 April 2005: Ladies and Gentleman, In my welcome address that was initially posted on the website, while confirming the location and venue of the conference, I was not able to give very much detail on the conference theme and agenda content. And whereas we are still in the process of putting the final touches on the event, I would nonetheless like to share some additional information with you.

As is reflected by the Conference theme, 'Aviation Safety Regulation - Setting the Sights for the Future', this year's event aims at taking a closer look at the future by identifying and discussing the trends and developments that will affect future aviation safety regulation. It is in the context of a constant evolution of the aviation industry and its regulatory framework that the Conference will go beyond the traditional format of this event by asking participants to actively participate in what constitutes a 'brainstorming' session about the aviation safety regulation of the future.

The gathering of recognised international safety expertise and talent at this occasion is seen as a unique opportunity to facilitate this exercise, thereby allowing for the sharing of ideas, stimulating constructive discussion and identifying common visions for the future.

This year's Conference agenda has been drafted with this in mind. The plenary session will outline the environment of international relations by highlighting some of the priniciple bilateral agreements and how they deal with aviation safety. This will be followed by thematic workshops covering three main aspects impacting aviation safety regulatory activities - Institutional Changes, Industry Initiatives and New Technologies. Each of the thematic workshops will address specific topics that merit discussion and reflection in view of future aviation safety regulation. As the agenda gets updated, new versions will be available on this website.

I would also like to note that traditionally the conference agenda has indicated a number of meetings on the Monday preceding the Conference. Although this is no longer the case, it does not mean that such meetings cannot be facilitated, and I encourage you to get in touch with the conference coordinators if this should be the case.

Finally I would just like to reiterate the paperless nature of this year's Conference, and again encourage you to visit the Conference website frequently in order to download Conference material as it becomes available.

Whilst the future challenges for our industry are manifold, the aviation industry as a whole, authorities and stakeholders alike, have a responsibility to ensure that air travel remains the safest mode of transport in the world. It is with this in mind that I shall look forward to seeing you in Cologne, with the expectation that fruitful discussions and mutual consideration will allow us to set the sights for the future of aviation safety regulation.

Sincerely,

Patrick Goudou
Executive Director