Who we are
ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI) delivers aviation development projects worldwide, helping States strengthen their civil aviation systems and meet international obligations. Since 1952, we have implemented projects valued at over USD 2 billion, supporting more than 115 countries with the expertise of 1,200 international and national professionals each year.
We operate on a non-profit, neutral, and transparent basis, driven by technical merit and financial integrity, free from political or commercial influence.
Our specialized teams provide end-to-end support through the lifecycle of aviation projects, from initial planning to final implementation.
Field Operations
Our Field Operations team supports civil aviation development across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. We work closely with governments, ICAO Regional Offices, and a wide range of partners—from civil aviation authorities to development agencies— to:
Identify and design new projects
Oversee the preparation and revision of project documents
Facilitate project approvals
Monitor implementation to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to ICAO standards
All activities are guided by ICAO’s technical Annexes and coordinated through ongoing communication with civil aviation authorities, UNDP representatives, and project coordinators.
Learn more about our field operations' Project Management Services.
Field Personnel
ICAO’s Field Personnel manages staffing for aviation projects worldwide, supporting knowledge transfer and long-term capacity development in Member States. Key functions include:
Maintaining a global roster of over 6,000+ aviation professionals across 90+ specializations
Coordinating recruitment, onboarding, and deployment of international and national experts
Administering contracts and benefits in accordance with ICAO rules and the UN Common System
Supporting travel, visa, and logistical arrangements
Ensuring high standards of performance and accountability
These efforts combine international expertise with local knowledge, enabling knowledge transfer and supporting long-term national capacity development.
For more information on field personnel’s Roster of Experts.
ICAO Training
Through ICAO’s leadership in international aviation, ICAO training programmes build the skilled human resources that States need for safe, secure, and sustainable air transport. ICAO Training is designed to:
Offer technical, managerial, and regulatory training
Provide flexible delivery modes (online, blended, and in-person)
Ensure alignment with ICAO standards and global aviation needs
Support States in strengthening institutional training capacity through programmes such as TRAINAIR PLUS
By supporting professional development worldwide, ICAO Training helps States build the human resources required to meet international obligations and future challenges.
Learn more about ICAO Training.
Technical Support and Quality Assurance
In upholding the highest levels of safety, sustainability, and performance, we ensure that our implementation projects generate measurable and enduring benefits. To provide this assurance, we:
Defines requirements and validates technical solutions
Ensures compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices
Conducts evaluations, audits, and quality reviews throughout the project lifecycle
Promotes sustainability, safety, and performance excellence
Through this approach, ICAO transforms technical expertise into measurable benefits for States and the global aviation community.