Managing bird hazards has been a global challenge in the aviation industry for a long time, but each region faces unique challenges. It is clear that there is often a lack of deep understanding of the subject, which leads to insufficient mitigation measures.
During SIRM33, four out of the twelve presentations focused on this topic. Thereafter, stakeholders, particularly airlines, shared experiences from their operations across the region. The host Airport Authority (Rwanda Airports Company) in turn highlighted three techniques they currently employ: pyrotechnics, bird deterrence lasers, and a mobile bird collision avoidance system. Their challenges, which are not uncommon, included a lack of equipment that meets effectiveness with varying species of birds, rainy weather acting as an attractant and a lack of adequate training. They attributed some of their successes to their close collaboration with local authorities.
