The Civil Aviation Agency today (CAA) celebrates 16 years of existence and operations, with significant progress, transformation and results recognized at the European and international level.

This sixteenth year represented a milestone - it was challenging, but also filled with progress. The priority is clear: preserving and improving the level of safety and security, strengthening the control mechanism, investing in professional capacities and implementing European regulations and international standards.

"Safety is the priority of all priorities. There is no room for compromise when it comes to security and safety standards, legal and professional decision-making, independence and professionalism. These are the foundations on which we build the civil aviation of Montenegro - in service to citizens, in partnership with aviation institutions and in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and the Government", stated the Director of the Agency, Ivan Šćekić, reminding that the goals promised at the beginning of his mandate are being achieved.

In just over a year, a substantial reorganization was carried out, for the first time since 2009, professional capacities were raised, the supervisory and inspection role was significantly strengthened, and the licensing and certification processes were improved. Among other things, a large number of internal procedures were developed and improved addressing irregularities from the earlier period, which has been recognized by the State Audit Institution.

As a result of dedicated work, the controls of the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), conducted last year and this year, have been successfully completed.

The best confirmation of this work is the evaluation of the EASA experts that our capacities have been strengthened with aviation experienced staff, as well as of the EC that Montenegro implements all security measures at its airports equivalent to those of the EU members, and that it has the highest degree of compliance with European standards.

"We are open to dialogue, solving challenges and working in partnership in the interest of citizens. I am especially grateful to employees who have contributed to the success of the Agency with their knowledge, expertise, responsibility and dedication", said Šćekić.

Confirmation of the reputation of the aviation authority of Montenegro in the regional and international frameworks is also reflected in the visit of the top leaders of the International Civil Aviation Organization last year, when the ICAO representative of such high rank visited Montenegro, at the invitation of the CAA.

The Agency remains committed to improving the system for preserving and improving safety and security, in partnership with all relevant institutions, with a clear goal - that Montenegro has a safe, efficient and modern air transport.