Several of the articles in the Chicago Convention are directly devoted to the facilitation of air transport, including Articles 10, 11, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24,29, 35, 37, and 38. These articles outline the rights and obligations of states, the standardization of procedures, and the need for cooperation between states to ensure the smooth operation of air travel.
As the volume of air traffic continues to increase, Contracting States, aircraft and airport operators and related agencies must regularly adjust their related facilities to comply with Annex 9 provisions. The ongoing work of ICAO in facilitation ensures that international air transport remains efficient, secure and safe.
Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention is an essential document that regulates the facilitation of international air transport. Without it, air travel would not be able to operate smoothly across international borders. ICAO's efforts in facilitation have greatly improved the experience of air travel, making it faster, more efficient and more secure than ever before.
The birth of Annex 9
In the wake of World War II, as nations were rebuilding and reconnecting, the world was witnessing a profound transformation in the field of aviation. This transformation was driven by a shared goal: to make international air travel more accessible and efficient. This ambitious endeavor led to the creation of Annex 9, a seminal document that would go on to redefine the way the world approached cross-border air transportation.
The journey towards the development of Annex 9 commenced in February 1946 when the First Session of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization (PICAO) Facilitation Division, known as FAL/1, convened in Montreal. It was during this meeting that the seeds were sown for what would become Annex 9—a visionary document aimed at simplifying and standardizing international air transport procedures.
By June 1946, PICAO had already recognized the pressing need for recommendations to streamline the burgeoning field of international air travel. In a landmark move, they put forth a comprehensive set of recommendations for Standards, Practices, and Procedures specifically geared toward the facilitation of International Air Transport.
In June 1948, the Second Session of the FAL Division, aptly named FAL/2, convened in Geneva. This gathering marked a pivotal moment in the development of Annex 9. FAL/2 refined and expanded upon the earlier recommendations, solidifying the framework for international standards in air travel facilitation.
On March 25, 1949, the ICAO Council officially adopted the 1st edition of Annex 9: Standards and Recommended Practices—Facilitation of International Air Transport.
On September 1, 1949, the 1st edition of Annex 9 came into effect and was published, signifying the dawn of a new era in international air transport. It was a monumental achievement that streamlined and standardized procedures, simplifying the complexities associated with crossing international borders
On March 1, 1950, Annex 9 became applicable, cementing its impact on international air travel. A Supplement to the 1st Edition was also published, underlining the commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
February 1946
| First Session of the (PICAO) FAL Division, Montreal (FAL/1)
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June 1946
| PICAO Recommendations for Standards, Practices and Procedures:
Facilitation of International Air Transport
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June 1948
| Second Session of the FAL Division, Geneva (FAL/2)
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25 March 1949
| Council adopts 1st Edition of Annex 9: Standards and
Recommended Practices—Facilitation of International Air Transport
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1 September 1949
| 1st Edition becomes effective
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1 September 1949
| 1st Edition published
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1 March 1950
| Date of Applicability of 1st Edition
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| Supplement to 1st Edition published
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Evolution of Annex 9: Key Milestones Since 1949
Annex 9 has not remained static since its inception in 1949. It has evolved to keep pace with the dynamic demands of the global aviation industry. Annex 9 has seen significant changes since its humble beginnings, with the 16th Edition encompassing a 442 SARPs. These numbers alone underscore the significance and complexity of Annex 9 in shaping the world of aviation. The table below illustrates the journey through the amendments that have shaped Annex 9's evolution:
1. 2nd Edition (Applicable from July 1, 1953): This edition introduced provisions related to standardization of procedures for non-scheduled aircraft, language on aircraft documents, health declarations, entry visas, and baggage declarations. |
2. 3rd Edition (Applicable from March 1, 1957): This edition simplified various procedures, including embarkation/disembarkation cards, passport and visa formalities, and cargo clearance. It also extended privileges for passengers in direct transit. |
3. 8th Edition (Applicable from October 15, 1980): This edition included provisions for passenger manifest, cargo manifest, expedited passenger clearance, electronic data processing for cargo handling, and alignment with UN Layout key for trade documents.
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4. FAL/9 (Amendment 13 - Applicable from October 15, 1982): This introduced the establishment of National Facilitation Programmes and National and Airport Facilitation Committees.
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5. 11th Edition (Applicable from November 28, 2002): This edition addressed travel documents, aircraft documentation, disinsection of aircraft, non-scheduled flights, and controls on passengers and cargo in transit.
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6. 12th Edition (Applicable from November 24, 2005): This edition included provisions for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs), biometric technologies, travel document security, and assistance to aircraft accident victims.
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7. FALP/5 (Amendment 21 - Applicable from November 19, 2009): This introduced provisions related to facilities and services at international airports, Advance Passenger Information (API) systems, and the transport of radioactive material by air.
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8. 13th Edition (Applicable from November 17, 2011): It strengthened provisions related to international outbreaks of communicable diseases, API systems, and measures to assist travelers in case of force majeure.
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9. FALP/7 (Amendment 24 - Applicable from July 29, 2014): This covered facilitation of persons with disabilities, travel document issuance and inspection, and procedures for the removal of inadmissible persons and deportees.
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10. 14th Edition (Applicable from February 25, 2016): It addressed assistance to aircraft accident victims, Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs), cargo facilitation, and INTERPOL's Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database.
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11. 15th Edition (Applicable from February 23, 2018): This edition introduced provisions related to Advance Passenger Information (API) and other forms of passenger data, Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs), transport of minors by air, passenger manifest, and Automated Border Control (ABC) systems.
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12. FALP/10 (Amendment 27 - Applicable from February 21, 2020): It included provisions related to crew identity cards, transport of minors by air, trafficking in persons and passenger data.
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13. FALP/11 (Amendment 28 - Applicable from February 28, 2021): This edition incorporated provisions related to Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), and handling of unruly passengers.
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14. 16th Edition (Applicable from November 18, 2022): The latest edition covers public health emergencies, security of travel and health proof documents, relief and repatriation flights, air transport facilitation of persons with disabilities, assistance to aircraft accident victims, trafficking in persons, and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.
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The Future of Annex 9
Annex 9 is an indispensable component of the Chicago Convention and a guiding force in shaping international air travel.
As international aviation continues to evolve, Annex 9 will remain an invaluable tool for simplifying and standardizing international air transport procedures while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency.
In the years ahead, Annex 9 will continue to adapt, innovate, and guide the aviation industry toward an exciting future where air travel remains user-friendly, sustainable, and aligned with global standards. It will continue to be shaped by the contributions and insights from States, aviation experts, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide who work together to ensure seamless, safe, and efficient air travel.
