EU project modernises Albania's civil aviation

EU project modernises Albania's civil aviation

Romania and France assist Albania to upgrade its civil aviation based on EU standards.

An EU civil aviation project in Albania includes improving airport operations. [AFP]

The EU is implementing a project to improve and modernise Albania's civil aviation based on Union standards and best practices, officials said.

The Strengthening of Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) project will last two years at a cost of 800,000 euros in co-operation with civil aviation authorities in Romania and France.

EU officials said the project will ensure more, shorter and cheaper routes, fewer delays and improve passenger safety.

Officials said the project's goals are for Albania to adopt legislation based on EU standards, adopt best EU practices, produce technical manuals and update procedures and documents, and provide on-the-job training and study tours for civil aviation authority staff. It also aims to enable the aviation authority to conduct oversight.

The project will improve civil aviation expertise, giving a special focus on safety, which is the most important aspect of aviation, said Francois Begeot, head of the economic reform and infrastructure section at the EU delegation in Albania.

"EU integration is a long process, and civil aviation has a key role to play in terms of image, culture, easy movement of persons and tourism. By safely attracting newcomers to Albania, it should bring extra revenues to the country," Begeot said.

The project covers all civil aviation components including air navigation, operations and flight licensing, airworthiness, airport operations, organisation and management, security and safety and effects on the...