On Tuesday, November 11, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) orchestrated a large-scale emergency response drill at the George F. L. Charles Airport. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash to rigorously assess the airport’s emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination capabilities. This biennial drill, conducted in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, involved over 100 participants, including emergency responders, volunteers, and aviation stakeholders. The scenario depicted a mock aircraft accident near the runway’s northern end, with simulated passengers and crew requiring immediate rescue and medical attention. SLASPA officials emphasized that the drill aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response plan, particularly in communication, command, and coordination among various agencies. Exercise Director Aubert Regis highlighted the simulation as a crucial test of operational readiness, stating, ‘This exercise allowed us to activate the emergency response plan and assess how efficiently our agencies would perform in a real-life situation. Our goal is not only to test our response capacity but also to enhance collaboration and overall performance.’ Acting Airport Manager Alexandria Alexander underscored the drill’s proactive nature, noting its role in ensuring swift and effective responses during actual emergencies. ‘This exercise provided a valuable opportunity for all response agencies to evaluate their performance, improve coordination, and ensure that in the event of a real aircraft incident, the response will be efficient and effective,’ she said. The simulation also tested the capabilities of the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre, which coordinates recovery and restoration efforts post-incident. Participating agencies included the National Emergency Management Organisation, the Ministry of Health, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Ports Police, Owen King European Union Hospital, the Saint Lucia Red Cross, airline representatives, and airport personnel. Chief Evaluator Andrew George praised the high level of coordination observed during the drill, stating, ‘We assessed everything from scene management to communication and response timelines. The coordination among agencies was very positive and aligned with international emergency standards.’ A formal debriefing session is expected to follow, during which lessons learned and areas for improvement will be reviewed. SLASPA expressed gratitude to all participants and the public for their cooperation during the exercise.