AIB’s mobile app to aid aviation accident investigation’

The recent launch of mobile application for accident and incident reports in aviation by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has continued to attract plaudits from stakeholders in the sector who see the initiative as one that will aid the work of the bureau and boost safety in the sector.

While launching the mobile app at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, the AIB Commissioner, Engr. Akin Olateru, said it was aimed at taking the agency to the next level on the wings of technology. The whole world is moving in the direction of the future and technology offers the powerful route of getting there timely.

On the installation of the mobile application, Olateru told journalists that a user of iphone could install the application through App Store, which contains a white “A” inside a circle.

He added that “Then, you will now tap search at the bottom of the screen and type AIB NIGERIA to download.

“When the app is installed, AIB NIGERIA icon will be added to your home screen and the install button will be replaced with a button, which says ‘OPEN.’ Tapping it launches the app you have just downloaded.

“The application gives us a new and more convenient way to receive aircraft accident report in real time, thereby increasing promotional opportunities with push notifications and more, which depicts its core objectives of accident and incidence investigation reports.

“This app will improve engagement with Nigerians by providing easy and open access to the bureau and its activities.”

Olateru stated that the development of a mobile application was essential to the bureau’s processes as it extends its relationship with users by providing better access to news and updates, convenience, live reporting by eye witnesses in the event of accidents or incidents.

Commenting on the initiative, Coordinator Centre for Aviation Safety and Research (CAS-R), Engr. Sheri Kyari, said that technology applications would improve AIB work in discharging its duties.

He noted that if AIB had quick access to information, it would prevent recurrence of serious incidents or accidents in the sector, stressing that the current management had done a lot to ensure improvement in the sector.

He added: “This will make their work easier in the course of gathering information in case of serious incident or accident. So, if they are able to get information on time, they can make use of it to make sure that accidents are prevented.”

The app platform also gives room for pilots to report incidents anonymously without the knowledge of their employers.