CASA Media Release - 14 December 1999
Australian Aviation Ready for Y2K
Australia's aviation industry has been declared ready to meet the Y2K date rollover.
All of the 1879 aviation organisations operating in the country have provided Y2K readiness Statements to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
These Y2K Statements provide an assurance that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure aviation safety is not affected by Y2K computer or date rollover problems.
The Statements have been provided by airlines, air charter operators, maintenance organisations and licensed airport operators.
CASA has also audited a range of aviation organisations including the major airlines for Y2K readiness.
CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, says Australians can travel by air throughout the Y2K rollover period with confidence.
Mr Toller says all available information indicates the Y2K rollover will have no impact on air safety.
"The large airlines have spent hundreds of millions of dollars getting ready for Y2K," Mr Toller says.
"Smaller aviation organisations have identified any Y2K risks and taken appropriate action.
"Australia's air traffic control systems are also Y2K ready and detailed operational plans are in place for the rollover period."
CASA set a deadline of 29 November for Y2K Statements of Accomplishment. Thirty six aviation organisations failed to meet that deadline and regulatory action commenced against them to show cause as to why they should not be suspended during critical Y2K periods.
As a result of CASA's action these 36 aviation organisations have now provided Y2K Statements.
Mr Toller says Australia's aviation industry is to be commended for the work undertaken to get ready for Y2K.
"The aviation industry put in a lot of work to meet CASA's Y2K program, which started in July 1998.
"The end result is that Australia is one of the leading nations in the world in Y2K readiness in aviation."
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9956PR