World Birdstrike Association Information

The International Bird Strike Committee (IBSC) has elected Captain Rob van Eekeren as its new President, changed its name into World Birdstrike Association (WBA) and become a membership organization. Membership is now open for (national) bird strike committees and civil or military entities linked with wildlife strike risk to aviation. Individual membership is also welcome. Bringing aviation wildlife expertise under a global umbrella is a major step forward. Captain Van Eekeren said; “the WBA will be the global voice for its members. It will provide the platform for pursuing constructive and cooperative relationship with the stakeholders, civil and military and the authorities”. The aim is to reduce the bird strike risk, reduce the damage costs and maintain safety in an increasing green environment. A number of concrete targets have been defined, including the development of an action plan on the mitigation of the bird strike risk. This action plan will be build on existing knowledge but will also be developed in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. Many specialists, aviation companies, authorities and airports independently produce solutions to reduce the number of wildlife strikes. “The challenge and major safety gain will be to coordinate al these initiatives and focus on effective risk reducing matters” said Captain Van Eekeren.