The Credibility of the International Financial Facility for Aviation "Safety" in an Environment where "Security" and "Survival" are Air Transport Priorities

This article examines the role of the International Financial Facility for Aviation Safety (IFFAS) assisting certain less developed countries (LDCs) and regions that lack the financial resources to remedy aviation safety deficiencies identified by the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) mechanism. The discussion is divided into these five parts: The problem: non-remedied safety aviation deficiencies; Solutions: Existing mechanisms to help solve the problem; The IFFAS: Structure and procedures; The IFFAS: Funding mechanisms; The IFFAS: Nature and scope of the assistance provided; Conclusions. The article suggests that there is an acknowledged need to remedy aviation safety deficiencies identified by USOAP in certain states and regions. The article is intended to present a balanced perspective to political leaders and their citizens on the problem of and solutions to assisting countries that lack the will, ability, and/or means to remedy their USOAP identified aviation safety deficiencies.