CAA reviews drone rules as Zambia, Ireland eye aviation partnership

Zambia’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced it is reviewing its drone regulations to keep pace with emerging technologies while upholding safety and security standards. CAA Director General, Captain Derrick Luembe, said the Authority was working to modernize aviation regulation and improve connectivity to support national development, tourism, and trade. Luembe was speaking during a courtesy call by Irish Ambassador to Zambia, Aidan Fitzpatrick, and Irish Aviation Authority Chief Executive Officer, Declan Fitzpatrick, at his office in Lusaka.

The meeting focused on cooperation in aviation safety, regulatory oversight, training, drone regulation and air transport development. Luembe reaffirmed CAA’s commitment to strengthening international aviation partnerships. “Aviation is a key driver of economic development.

Through stronger regulation, innovation and strategic partnerships, we can create an aviation sector that supports tourism growth, trade expansion and greater connectivity across Zambia,” Luembe said. He stressed the need to enhance domestic air connectivity to unlock the full potential of Zambia’s tourism sector and improve access to the country’s numerous tourism destinations. Irish Ambassador, Aidan Fitzpatrick emphasized the long-standing relationship between Zambia and Ireland and the importance of expanding cooperation through institutional partnerships.

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“Ireland and Zambia share a long history of friendship and cooperation, and aviation presents an important opportunity to further strengthen our ties and create lasting benefits for our two countries,” he said. Irish Aviation Authority CEO, Declan Fitzpatrick, said regulators worldwide face similar challenges, including oversight of emerging technologies, cybersecurity, capacity building and safety management. “Regardless of size, aviation regulators face many of the same challenges.

The meeting underscored growing cooperation between Zambia and Ireland in the aviation sector and highlighted opportunities for future collaboration aimed at advancing aviation safety, regulatory excellence and industry development. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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