Africa spends Sh1b on bird strikes control

Kenya: Africa spends an estimated Sh1 billion a year to reduce the risk of bird strikes on aviation.

Bird strikes pose a major risk to aircraft taking off and landing and can result in possible injury or loss of life to passengers and crew.

A meeting of aviation experts from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in Kenya’s Lakeside city of Kisumu heard that at the very least, aircraft involved in bird strikes are grounded until repairs are done.

Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) and National Birdstrike Committee organised the three-day meeting, which concluded last Friday.

The theme for this year’s symposium was, “Wildlife Hazards, Land use and Aviation Safety: Impact, challenges and opportunities for synergy.”

KAA Manager Wildlife Control George Amutete said the main objective of the symposium was to facilitate exchange of aviation wildlife hazard information, enhance capacity, discuss upcoming trends and innovations within the industry and create a strong network among stakeholders.

 He said such strategies would help reduce wildlife strikes within the East African aviation industry.