The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates significant developments during the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), scheduled from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal, Canada. Fourteen working papers authored by IATA have been accepted for consideration at the Assembly.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General, stated:
“IATA will be participating in the ICAO Assembly with safety, sustainability, and efficiency at the top of our priority list. It is critical that we secure stronger support for SAF production and CORSIA as key enablers of aviation’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Equally, we need agreement to follow the principles and provisions of the Chicago Convention to avoid patchworks of debilitating tax measures and passenger rights regulations. And we must shore up safety with timely accident reports, mitigations for GNSS interference, and preservation of critical radio-frequency spectrum.”
Importance of Global Standards
Global standards are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and increasingly sustainable aviation operations worldwide, developed through collaboration among airline operators and ICAO member states.
Walsh emphasized the urgency of the Assembly, explaining its role in shaping aviation’s agenda for the next three years.
Discussion Points for 2025:
- SAF Production: Reviewing mandates without the necessary increase in SAF production.
- CORSIA: Addressing the challenges posed by additional aviation taxes undermining its effectiveness.
- Revisions to Aviation Corporate Tax: Evaluating the implications of taxing based on revenue-earned versus residence-based taxation.
- Consumer Protection: Aligning government regulations with ICAO’s core principles.
- Radio Frequency Spectrum: Addressing the impacts of telecoms progressing with 5G on aviation safety.
- Accident Investigations: The necessity of public final accident reports for safety information.
- GNSS Interference: Mitigating risks from rising interference incidents near conflict zones.
- Aircraft Mandates: Streamlining the adoption of ICAO standards to avoid delays.
- Pilot Age Limits: Advocating for extending retirement age in a controlled manner while maintaining safety protocols.
