Keilir - Atlantic Center of Excellence

An Invitation

from 

the President of Iceland  

In the middle of the Atlantic, at the crossroads of European weather systems, the youngest country on Earth has recently reminded the world how, through a combination of a volcanic eruption and enormous quantities of glacial ice, the forces of nature can produce huge ash clouds, impacting on nations far away, even disrupting for a while the travel plans of people in different continents.

In the middle of the Atlantic, at the crossroads of European weather systems, the youngest country on Earth has recently reminded the world how, through a combination of a volcanic eruption and enormous quantities of glacial ice, the forces of nature can produce huge ash clouds, impacting on nations far away, even disrupting for a while the travel plans of people in different continents.

For the first time since modern aviation became the pillar of international transport, a volcanic eruption, has reminded all of us that our technological and economic systems must take into account the will of nature and how the Earth is capable of ultimate surprises.

Aviation stakeholders must now understand and adapt to this kind of potential disruptions. Eyjafjallajökull has become a symbol of this situation, and thus it is appropriate to invite aviation leaders, experts and policy-makers to assemble at the Keilir Aviation Academy, recently established at Keflavík International Airport, to discuss the lessons to be drawn and how technology, rules, regulations and aviation training must be improved.

For us in Iceland it is important to make a contribution of this type to the constructive international dialogue that is now needed. Therefore we invite you all to participate in the Atlantic Conference on Eyjafjallajökull and Aviation. It will certainly be a worthwhile experience.