Date

Final Report Now Available
Arctic Aviation Experts Workshop

For further information or to request a copy of the workshop report,
please contact:
Nancy Hemsath
Institute of the North
Phone: 907-343-2443
E-mail: nhemsath [at] institutenorth.org

or go to:
http://www.institutenorth.org/.


Arctic governments must recognize the strategic value of a safer, more
effective air system, and continue international cooperation to benefit
all northern peoples, according to recommendations published by an
international gathering of aviation experts, pilots, and airline
managers.

Representatives from Russia, Canada, and Alaska--spanning two-thirds of
the Arctic--worked for three days to create a list of 50 recommendations
in six categories to improve living conditions via air transportation in
some of the world's most remote areas. The workshop was hosted, in
October 2005, by the Anchorage-based Institute of the North in Russia in
conjunction with the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, the
Northern Forum, and the Arctic Council.

Through presentations and discussion, a number of issues critical to the
future of arctic aviation were identified and addressed. The experts
talked of social and economic benefits achieved through modernizing air
transportation in northern communities; suggested improvements for
northern airlines and airports; recommended enhancing safety through new
technologies; and created a list of policy changes and research topics
for educational institutions to pursue.

The recommendations contained in the report will move forward to be
addressed by arctic policy makers at a follow-up conference, already
being planned for November 2006.

The report from the Arctic Aviation Experts Workshop is part of the
Institute of the North's work with improving the infrastructure within
the Arctic to support sustainable development.

For further information or to request a copy of the workshop report,
please contact:
Nancy Hemsath
Institute of the North
Phone: 907-343-2443
E-mail: nhemsath [at] institutenorth.org