[Mike W]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...-23349,00.html

Cameron Stewart and Steve Creedy | October 21, 2008

AUSTRALIA must not compromise on air safety standards despite the current shortage of maintenance engineers, pilots and air traffic controllers, the president of the world's peak aviation body has warned.

International Civil Aviation Organisation president Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez said an acute shortage of aviation professionals was a worldwide problem and that Australia was not immune.

"But it is important that safety standards are not compromised as a result," he told The Australian.

"This is a global problem, not a national problem. The main concern is (a shortage of) pilots, maintenance mechanics and (air traffic) controllers and it will become a bigger problem if we do not take action globally."

Mr Kobeh left Australia yesterday after a four-day visit during which he met aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese.

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