ICAO Advances Language Proficiency Implementation to Enhance Aviation Safety Paris, France - 20 to 22 May 2026

The forty-eighth meeting of the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements Implementation Task Force (LPRI TF/48) was held in Paris, bringing together experts from States and International Organizations to advance global efforts in aviation language proficiency.

The meeting reviewed progress in the implementation of ICAO language proficiency requirements and highlighted ongoing work to improve the clarity, consistency, and reliability of language assessments, as well as to strengthen oversight capabilities through new inspector training initiatives.

Participants underscored that communication-related challenges remain a significant aviation safety concern, including the inconsistent use of standard phraseology, language barriers, and variability in testing and oversight practices.

Key outcomes included the continued development of guidance materials to support harmonization across States, notably a draft Manual of Radiotelephony Communications for Aerodrome Vehicle Drivers and guidelines for standard phraseology used by ground personnel.

The Task Force also reviewed survey findings indicating differences in the implementation of language proficiency requirements across regions and agreed on the need for targeted training and enhanced guidance to address identified gaps.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration among regulators, air navigation service providers, pilots, and air traffic controllers to strengthen communication practices and reduce safety risks.