ANAC’s message to survivors, relatives and friends of air crash victims

On February 20th, the 193 member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) paid a well-deserved tribute in remembrance of the victims of air accidents. Instituted in October 2021 by the highest civil aviation organization, together with its member countries, the date will become part of the international calendar and will be remembered annually by the aviation community around the world. The day will also be a day of deference to the survivors, families and friends of these victims, in a gesture of solidarity with those who have suffered sudden, unexpected and irreparable losses of loved ones.

The creation of this important date, proposed by the Air Crash Victims’ Families’ Federation International (ACVFFI), is a fair recognition of the cause defended by associations all over the world and the importance of preserving the memory of the departed. All links in the civil aviation system should be aware that they can be affected by these tragic events and should also be equally prepared to promptly respond quickly and effectively to the needs of the victims of air accidents and their families.

In Brazil, the plan to assist victims of aircraft accidents and support their families is regulated by the Civil Aviation Instruction (IAC) 200-1001 (available only in Portuguese). The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is responsible for the regulation and oversight of this plan with its regulated companies. The normative establishes the procedures to be adopted by companies and air operators in case of accidents occurring with aircraft that provide public passenger service and air cargo transportation. The rules follow international standards established by ICAO and serve as guidelines for the preparation of the plan.

On the Internet, ANAC has an exclusive page with information about assistance to victims of air accidents (available only in Portuguese). On this page, interested parties will find explanations about the role of the Agency, the obligations of airlines and airports in the event of an air accident, and the rights of victims and their families in this type of occurrence.

Worldwide Tribute

To mark the first time the date will be celebrated, ICAO conducted a campaign to reinforce the importance of assistance to the victims of air accidents and their families, and to encourage its Member States to adopt the new time frame to, in addition to contributing to the dissemination of the organization’s message, develop actions to promote awareness and adherence to its policies and recommendations on this aspect of air transport. As part of the ICAO campaign, on February 20 there was a special broadcast commemorating the date on ICAO TV.

Solidarity

ANAC sympathizes and expresses its deepest respect to the survivors, families and friends of those who died as a result of air accidents in Brazil and worldwide.