CARICOM will today launch a new oversight body for aviation that is meant to bring the Caribbean a step closer to its goal of a regional industry guided by the same rules and standards.

CARICOM said yesterday that the new Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), which replaces the Regional Aviation Safety Oversight System (RASOS), will provide "the platform for establishing a regional civil aviation authority."

The new entity will operate from the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

It's first meeting, scheduled to take place after the ceremonial launch, will elect a chair and vice-chair whose tenure will run for two years.

CASSOS' job will essentially be to advise member countries of what amendments are required to harmonise their aviation laws, and the aviation rules that need revision to keep pace with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices.

CASSOS will report annually to COTED, CARICOM's Council on Trade and Economic Development, which will in turn give the new agency policy direction.

As party to the Chicago Convention that established ICAO in 1944, contracting states have an obligation to collaborate to secure the highest practicable degree of uniformity in regulations, standards, procedures and organisation in relation to aircraft, personnel, airways and auxiliary services towards improved air navigation.

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