What we do
ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau support in strengthen civil aviation worldwide by helping Member States and stakeholders plan, develop, and implement projects that enhance safety, security, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Our work contributes to greater self-sufficiency in developing countries and advances global aviation resilience.
Key areas of work
Project design and implementation
Our support to Member States begins at the first stages—identifying needs, preparing project proposals, and securing funding. Once approved, we manage all aspects of execution, from planning and procurement to monitoring and reporting, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Expert deployment
ICAO maintains a roster of international experts and consultancy firms in virtually all aviation disciplines. These professionals can serve as consultants, advisers, inspectors, trainers, or operational assistants, working alongside national counterparts to transfer knowledge and build local capacity.
Training and capacity building
Training is integrated into nearly every capacity development project, from classroom instruction and online courses to mentoring and international fellowships. These initiatives strengthen professional skills while helping States build lasting institutional capacity.
Procurement services
ICAO provides transparent, standards-based procurement support. Services include preparing technical specifications, issuing tenders, evaluating bids, negotiating with suppliers, managing contracts, and overseeing delivery and installation. This ensures States acquire ICAO-compliant equipment and services at the best value.
Technical assurance
ICAO ensures that all projects adhere to ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices and international best practices. Through Technical Support and Quality Assurance functions, ICAO provides technical reviews, audits, and compliance checks to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability are embedded in every solution.
Areas of expertise
CDI projects cover a wide spectrum of aviation development, including:
Civil aviation master planning and policy/legislation development
Air traffic services, communications, navigation, and surveillance systems
Aviation safety management systems and airworthiness
Aviation security and risk management
Environmental management and sustainability of airports
Aviation medicine and meteorology
Airport feasibility studies, construction, and management
Human resource planning, training, and institutional development
By combining global expertise with local knowledge, ICAO ensures that every project delivers measurable impact and strengthens the long-term resilience of national aviation systems.
How we work
Capacity development and implementation projects are funded through contributions from States, development partners, financial institutions, and the aviation industry. In focusing on the strengthening of civil aviation institutions, ICAO advises and assists States in identifying, formulating, and implementing programmes and project requests, enabling them to better face the continuously changing aviation environment. We provide flexible, tailored solutions that respond to the specific needs of each client.
Projects typically combine three main components:
Technology transfer – Delivered through deployment of international and national experts.
Training – Provided through ICAO fellowships, institutional training, and hands-on learning.
Infrastructure development – Achieved through the procurement of equipment, services, and related civil works.
From initial concept to final delivery, ICAO applies a proven project lifecycle framework that balances flexibility with rigor, ensuring sustainable results in an evolving aviation environment.