The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has appointed Veteran, David John Chapman, as the new Senior Safety Advisor as part of its plan to boost aviation safety standards across the country.The key appointment is in line with the objectives of the GCAA's recently restructured Aviation Safety and Aviation Security Departments, said the Civil Aviation Authority in a statement.

Chapman's appointment is seen as vital to further developing aviation safety systems and standards across the UAE.

Recently, the GCAA segregated the Aviation Security and Safety Department into two separate departments - Aviation Safety Department and the Security and Infrastructure Department.

"The GCAA is recognized as a pioneer in the region for aviation safety management and plays a significant role in introducing and enforcing the highest safety protocols for aviation safety," said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA.

Prior to his appointment at the GCAA, Chapman held the position of Group Director of the Safety Regulation Group (SRG) of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and brings with him over 30 years of experience within the aviation industry.

Part of Chapman's role will include application of better regulation principles ensuring, through strategic oversight, an optimum balance between safety value and cost of regulation.

"Through new regulatory and cost effective safety systems, the UAE hopes to influence and guide the development of the Middle East's aviation safety and regulatory systems," Suwaidi added.