The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have outlined plans to merge their efforts to tackle the Year 2000 (Y2K) millennium bug, which threatens to disrupt computer software and could cause computers to crash when the year is effectively reset.
The plan focuses on the dissemination of information. Actions already taken include sending a checklist and questionnaire to member states, producing an updated ICAO web site and the delivery of seminars by IATA around the world.
Meanwhile, the secretary general of the International Air Cargo Association, Garth Davies, has urged the industry to take the problem seriously. He has informed cargo operators of efforts under way in the USA which have led to initiatives by the country's Year 2000 Technology Problem Committee, including the proposal of the US Crash Protection Act.
Transportation is one of seven areas identified by the committee, while the Act calls for legislation to force disclosure by companies of Y2K preparation costs, litigation expenses, insurance policies and contingency plans.
Source: Flight International
