The Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB) here at GACA signed an agreement with KAUST for the use of its advanced research facilities and expertise in the field of investigation of aviation accidents. The aim of the agreement is to reduce the dependence on international resources and benefit from the expertise and the cutting-edge facilities that KAUST can provides within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Justin Maynar, Director of General Laboratories and Basic Facilities at KAUST, said: "KAUST has a core laboratories and research facilities developed and equipped with the latest world-class equipment, created to suit the need of the Kingdom. Our laboratories is to support the mission of AIB investigative effort in the field of Aviation Safety. He pointed out that this cooperation is a clear indication of KAUST commitment towards its partners within the Kingdom. This is achieved by enabling them to access our research centers and laboratories to serve as a main priorities and a national interest." Abdulellah Filmban, general manager of the AIB office, stressed on the role and responsibilities of the Bureau in improving aviation safety by conducting investigation of the facts and by providing the necessary safety recommendations. He said "the AIB office operate in accordance to with international standards, and we chose to enter into a partnership with KAUST, because of its leading scientific expertise, they will assist us in the examination and analysis within the course of in finding out the causes of and the factors in developing recommendations serve to improve the safety of civil aviation." AIB office is the only entity authorized to conduct investigations of aviation accidents and incidents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reports directly to the chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. — SG
