Georgian Civil Aviation Agency

საქართველოს სამოქალაქო ავიაციის სააგენტო გამოხატავს ღრმა მწუხარებას 2024 წლის 25 დეკემბერს ყაზახეთის ქალაქ აქტაუს საერთაშორისო აეროპორტის მახლობლად მომხდარი საავიაციო შემთხვევის გამო, რომელსაც აზერბაიჯანის ავიახაზების კუთვნილი საჰაერო ხომალდის Embraer ERJ-190AR მგზავრები და ეკიპაჟის წევრები ემსხვერპლა. სამოქალაქო ავიაციის სააგენტო თანაგრძნობას უცხადებს აზერბაიჯანელ ხალხს, ტრაგედიის შედეგად დაღუპულ მგზავრთა ოჯახებსა და ახლობლებს, აზერბაიჯანის რესპუბლიკის სახელმწიფო სამოქალაქო ავიაციის სააგენტოს და აზერბაიჯანის ავიახაზებს. საავიაციო შემთხვევის შედეგად დაშავებულებს ვუსურვებთ მხნეობას და მალე გამოჯანმრთელებას. The Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia expresses its deep sorrow over the aviation accident that occurred on December 25, 2024 near Aktau International Airport in Kazakhstan, which claimed the lives of the passengers and crew of the Embraer ERJ-190AR aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines. The Civil Aviation Agency expresses its condolences to the people of Azerbaijan, the families and loved ones of those killed in the aircraft crash, the State Civil Aviation Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and AZAL - Azerbaijan Airlines. We wish courage and a speedy recovery to those affected by this tragedy.

International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN2024), held in Kuala Lumpur under the auspices of International Civil Aviation Organization, ended successfully for the delegation of Georgian aviation authority. Within the framework of the negotiations: - An air service agreement was signed between the governments of Georgia and the Republic of Seychelles. The air service agreement is based on liberal principles and does not provide for restrictions on the number of designated airlines and destinations. - Memorandums of understanding on air services were signed with the aviation authorities of Hong Kong, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Rwanda. According to the memorandums signed between the parties, interested airlines will be able to carry out passenger and cargo flights between any points in the respective countries until the intergovernmental bilateral agreement on air traffic enters into force. - A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the aviation authorities of Kazakhstan, according to which Georgian airlines will have the opportunity to additionally carry out direct regular flights to another 12 cities in Kazakhstan. Until now, the airlines designated by Georgia were allowed to perform regular flights only to Astana, Almaty and Aktau.

On October 15-17, the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency hosted a workshop in collaboration with EUROCONTROL, focusing on Cybersecurity in Air Traffic Management.   This workshop provided an essential platform for experts, aviation stakeholders and regulators to align on cybersecurity strategies and best practices. Conducted under the Support to State program, the workshop showcased the pathway towards the transposition of EU regulations into the national framework, reinforcing Georgia’s commitment to strengthening ATM cybersecurity measures. The sessions addressed the evolving threat landscape, cybersecurity incident management and the strategic role of CERT services and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in safeguarding air traffic management.

On September 24-26, Georgian Civil Aviation Agency hosted a workshop in collaboration with EUROCONTROL, focusing on System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and the future digitalization of Air Traffic Management (ATM) services. This workshop served as a crucial platform for industry experts, aviation stakeholders and regulators to align on strategic initiatives, including the implementation of the Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) and ensuring seamless integration of ATM digital services with the European ATM Network. The sessions focused on the legal aspects of SWIM, as well as its impact on the future of aviation in Georgia, ensuring that our airspace is equipped with cutting-edge technologies for enhanced safety, efficiency, and collaboration.

Major General Karsten Stoye, the Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Division at EUROCONTROL, recently undertook a significant visit to the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency. This visit represents a pivotal moment in strengthening the collaborative efforts between our organizations, with a particular emphasis on several critical areas that are essential for the future of aviation. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between civil and military aviation sectors, particularly in light of evolving global challenges. By fostering a strong partnership, we aim to improve operational efficiency and safety standards within the aviation industry. During the visit, discussions centered around Flexible Use of Airspace, CNS (Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance) Infrastructure Optimization, Trainings, Aviation Sustainability and Cyber Security. These topics are vital as they align with global trends towards more efficient and environmentally friendly air traffic management systems. The dialogue emphasized the importance of adapting our airspace usage to meet both current demands and future challenges. Givi Davitashvili, the Director of the Agency, expressed gratitude for the support provided by Mr. Stoye in enhancing oversight capabilities for air navigation services. He highlighted the significance of professional training for specialists in this field, which is essential for maintaining high standards in aviation safety and efficiency. Furthermore, he reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to actively pursue harmonization with European legislation and implement necessary reforms while participating in joint project activities aimed at improving aviation infrastructure. The Head of Civil-Military Cooperation at EUROCONTROL underscored Georgia’s pivotal role in air traffic management within Europe. As a crucial link between Europe and both Near and Far Eastern regions, Georgia’s strategic position enhances its importance in facilitating international air travel and trade. In conclusion, this visit not only strengthened existing partnerships but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at advancing aviation practices in Georgia and beyond. #GCAA #EUROCONTROL #CMC #aviation #raisingthebar

On July 23-24, @Georgian Civil Aviation Agency hosted a workshop delivered by @Eurocontrol focused on U-space regulation and airspace risk assessment methodology. This event was significant as it brought together various experts and stakeholders from the aviation sector to engage in discussions regarding the implementation of EU Regulation (EU) 2021/664. This regulation is crucial for the development of U-space, which refers to the airspace designated for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The primary objective of this workshop was to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of U-space regulations among participants and to discuss how these regulations can be effectively transposed into Georgia’s aviation framework.

From July 9-11, the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency hosted a workshop on the management and oversight of changes in accordance with EU Regulation 373/2017. This event, supported by Eurocontrol through the Support to State project, marks a significant step as Georgia has transposed these provisions, effective June 1, 2024. This transposition is part of our commitment under the Common Aviation Area Agreement, aligning us with relevant EU regulations.

Georgia successfully passed the ICAO Aviation Security Audit On March 18-27, 2024, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted an aviation security audit at the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency. According to the official ICAO conclusion, which the Agency received in May, Georgia successfully passed the mentioned audit and improved its aviation security oversight performance. According to the audit report, the sustainability indicator of aviation security oversight makes up 89.75%. It should be noted that the oversight rates have improved compared to the previous audit in 2015, in which Georgia achieved high results and its overall indicator became 87.8%. According to the results of a similar audit conducted in 2008, the overall rate of aviation security oversight in Georgia was 58%. The results of the aviation security audit indicate that the country provides high standards of protection for passengers, crew members, service personnel and the public from acts of terrorism and other unlawful activities; State authorities involved in the seamless and safe operation of civil aviation are taking all necessary measures to protect airports and aircraft against acts of unlawful interference; screening of passengers, cargo, catering and other supplies is carried out using internationally established technical means and in compliance with relevant requirements. In addition, the audit results confirm that the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia constantly develops national regulations, supervises aviation enterprises involved in air traffic, aviation specialists and personnel ensuring aviation security, in full compliance with international aviation standards. According to these indicators, Georgia firmly holds one of the leading positions in the European region, which has a positive impact on the country’s reputation in the given sector and at the same time increases the attractiveness of the country’s aviation market.

Ia Paitchadze has become Georgia’s first female Aircraft Maintenance Technician Licence holder   The Georgian Civil Aviation Agency has awarded a Category A aircraft maintenance technician licence to Ia Paichadze, an employee of the Geo Sky Technics aircraft maintenance company. Ia is the first licensed female aviation technician in Georgia. The certification process was carried out in accordance with the “Rules for the Certification of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians” adopted by the Agency in accordance with the requirements of the Part-66 of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014. Within the framework of the issued licence, the technician has the right to carry out scheduled maintenance work and to eliminate simple defects on gas turbine engine aircrafts included in the company’s fleet: Boeing 737-300/400/500; Boeing 747-200/300; B757-200/300.   To date, the Agency has certified 162 aircraft maintenance specialists.    “We are glad that the number of women specialists in Georgian aviation industry is increasing. We already have certified female pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants and flight dispatchers. Since 2022, European certification standards for aircraft maintenance technicians have been introduced in Georgia. Before starting to independently perform such an important and responsible duty as ensuring the airworthiness of an aircraft, our maintenance technicians go through quite complex stages of training and certification. Women's participation in aircraft maintenance is low worldwide. We are pleased that Georgia has its first licensed female technician. I would like to wish Ia and her colleagues success in their professional activities.” said Director of the Civil Aviation Agency Givi Davitashvili.  #womeninaviation #Georgia

The GCAA continues to actively participate in technical support projects that provide for the development and strengthening of the capabilities of partner countries in the process of implementing ICAO standards and recommended practices.   On April 1-5, the Civil Aviation Agency has hosted representatives of the State Civil Aviation Agency of Kyrgyz Republic. Within the framework of the visit, the Agency's specialists shared practical experience with their colleagues in areas such as: supervision of aerodromes and airports, supervision of air navigation services, personnel licensing, aviation legislation, quality management system and civil aviation organization. The meeting was also held with the Head of the Civil Aviation and Maritime Transport Accident/Incident Investigation Bureau. #Georgia #Kyrgyzstan #aviationsafety