Agreements on Regional Cooperation to Promote Efficiency and Sustainability of Air Transport

 

MONTRÉAL, 27 September 2010 – ICAO today concluded agreements with two regional organizations and four regional civil aviation bodies to cooperate in reducing the rate of aircraft accidents, improving security in flight and at airports, and promoting the overall sustainable development of the air transport industry.

Memoranda of Cooperation (MOCs) were concluded with the African Union, the European Union, the Arab Civil Aviation Commission, the African Civil Aviation Commission, the European Civil Aviation Conference and the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission.

The MOCs create a framework for greater regional cooperation in the technical and policy aspects of international civil aviation. They emphasize the consistent implementation and harmonization of ICAO’s internationally-recognized Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) related to aviation safety and security, environmental protection, as well as policies for sustainable air transport.

The process includes: improved mechanisms for consultation and cooperation, including electronic information sharing; coordinated programme planning and implementation between ICAO and the regional civil aviation bodies; and joint training and capacity building.

“Greater regional cooperation can improve the efficiency of air transport operations and simultaneously generate economic growth for States and Regions alike,” said Roberto Kobeh González, President of the ICAO Council.

“In a world increasingly structured around regional or sub regional economic units, greater collaboration in aviation matters can facilitate access to essential markets which could otherwise not be easily reached. Close partnerships between ICAO and regional bodies can make this happen,” he concluded.

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 190 Contracting States.

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