Dublin, 30 September – 4 October 2024 — Ireland was host to the ECAC National Inspector Exchange Programme, an activity designed to foster inspector learning and development across various aviation contexts. This programme empowers States to adapt to evolving regulatory approaches, introduces inspectors to methods of screening they may not have in their own State, and to best practices that they can learn from and integrate into their national systems.
Six inspectors from Armenia, Albania, Estonia and Slovakia worked with Irish Aviation Authority inspectors at Dublin airport, conducting inspections across a range of regulated entities in the cargo operations, in-flight services and airport supplies domains.
The experience proved beneficial to all participants. The host authority shared valuable experience and insights, and national inspectors enjoyed discussions on how aviation security oversight is implemented in Ireland. For visiting inspectors, the programme provided a unique opportunity to observe how other States regulate and perform their compliance monitoring activities, and to gather new ideas for their own country.
Additionally, the programme was an opportunity for participants to expand their international peer network, allowing generalists to broaden their experience base and gain valuable experience working in an international context, and specialists to become involved in inspections in other domains. During the discussions, suggestions emerged on how to better target and organise future programme activities, for example in light of anticipated changes to ECAC Doc 30, Part II. This successful exchange not only strengthened collaboration among aviation inspectors but also laid the groundwork for ongoing improvement in global aviation security standards.