Year of Facilitation
The effective management of air transport facilitation improves the quality and cost-effectiveness of aviation services and enhances civil aviation, a key contributor to global sustainable development. Work on air transport facilitation in ICAO has progressed substantially in recent years, demonstrating notable ongoing value. Meanwhile, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for aviation, resulting from the closure of borders, emphasized the importance of proactive actions by numerous parties to ensure system, process, and technology resilience.
In 1949, the ICAO Council first adopted Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) on Facilitation, designating them as Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944). At its 230th session in 2023, the Council, taking note that the Annex had been adopted 75 years prior, reaffirmed the importance of Facilitation and, in doing so, approved 2024 as the Year of Facilitation in recognition of the milestone anniversary for Annex 9.
In 1949, the ICAO Council first adopted Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) on Facilitation, designating them as Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944). At its 230th session in 2023, the Council, taking note that the Annex had been adopted 75 years prior, reaffirmed the importance of Facilitation and, in doing so, approved 2024 as the Year of Facilitation in recognition of the milestone anniversary for Annex 9.
Introduction
The ICAO Council designated 2024 as the "Year of Facilitation" (FAL2024). Air transport facilitation plays a vital role in the efficient management of border control processes and in expediting international air travel. This aspect of ICAO's mandate works with States and a broad group of stakeholders to implement measures which prevent unnecessary delays to aircraft, passengers, crews, and cargo, especially in the administration of laws relating to immigration, quarantine, and customs.
ICAO's FAL2024 initiative was geared towards highlighting the significance of air transport facilitation and its transformative potential.
Aims and Objectives
To ensure the success of FAL2024, ICAO prioritised the following activities:
- Awareness Creation: A campaign has been launched dedicated to promoting the importance of air transport facilitation by actively supporting the organization of global, national, and regional events.
- Milestone Recognition: Activities are being organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Annex 9 and highlight its contributions to global aviation.
- Strengthening of Global Collaboration: Efforts are underway to forge stronger ties amongst States and stakeholders such as Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in support of air transport facilitation measures.
- Capacity Building: Training and assistance initiatives focused on enhancing air transport facilitation compliance are being launched or upscaled through 2024.
With this enhanced focus, FAL2024 was intended to demonstrate and reinforce ICAO's commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation ecosystem.
Benefits of Air Transport Facilitation
- Operational Efficiency: Facilitation streamlines operations, minimizing disruptions and enabling airlines to maintain punctual schedules.
- Economic Prosperity: Enhanced air transport facilitation catalyzes trade and tourism, propelling economies and generating employment opportunities.
- Robust Border Security: A standardized air transport facilitation approach offers rigorous, unified border security protocols, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and assets.
- Elevated Passenger Experience: Air transport facilitation ensures expedited processes and enhances passenger experience.
- Capacity Enhancement: By focusing on building both human and infrastructural capacity, air transport facilitation ensures the aviation industry's scalability and responsiveness to future challenges.
Related Stakeholders
Everyone can Play a Role in Air Transport Facilitation!
Member States: Signatories to the Chicago Convention, who comply with its provisions on air transport facilitation.
Airlines: Frontline implementers who play a vital role in incorporating air transport facilitation measures into their daily operations.
Airports: Gateways to the world with responsibility for implementing air transport facilitation strategies that are critical to passenger experience.
Travelers: Their feedback and experiences drive continuous improvement in the air transport facilitation process.
Ground Service Providers: Their efficiency and proficiency directly impact the success of many air transport facilitation measures.
Customs and Immigration Authorities: They ensure that air transport facilitation does not compromise the security and integrity of national borders.
Aviation Training Institutions: By integrating air transport facilitation into their curricula, they raise the next generation of aviation professionals.
Technology Providers: Their innovations and solutions form the bedrock upon which modern air transport facilitation practices are built.