A student receives instruction at an aircraft system trainer in the Bombardier Aerospace Training Centre, Montreal. Several articles this month focus on training issues, including the need for aviation professionals to be trained to the same high standard worldwide.

As noted in the special report beginning on page 5, the air transport industry in 1995 continued to show signs of improving health. The upturn in its financial performance has reached a significant height, with the world's airlines posting an operating profit of about $14 billion last year.

Airlines continued to perform well last year as strong traffic growth exceeded increases in capacity offered, and the passenger load factor on scheduled services increased by one percentage point to 68 per cent. A review of the year's developments, including numerous statistics, begins on page 5.

As new, larger aeroplanes are under study for possible introduction by the year 2003, ICAO is examining their potential impact on airport design specifications. One aircraft under serious consideration, the 650-passenger Airbus A3XX, would have a wing span approaching 80 metres.

This month's feature articles are concerned with the matter of air law, a theme which the Journal has not examined in great detail before now. As the following articles reflect, air law permeates all aspects of aviation, from air carrier liability to the operation and use of a global navigation satellite system.

Our cover photo features a multiple exposure of a Boeing 747 about to land. Most of the articles this month focus on the status of the various satellite navigation systems already in place or under development — advanced technologies which promise to enhance aviation system capacity, efficiency and, most important of all, safety.

Most of our feature articles this month focus on efforts to enhance aviation security, a matter of the highest priority for ICAO. On a different topic, this month's lead article examines the status of the ICAO safety oversight programme and possible steps that could be taken to help correct for safety deficiencies.

To prepare for future growth, Manchester Airport is combining advanced technology and its experience in information technology to produce an airport management and operations support system.

As many of the articles in this issue reflect, we still have much to learn about the environmental impact of aviation, particularly the effect of engine emissions. Studies continue, and a number of measures have been suggested or have been implemented in an effort to minimize possible adverse effects.

The use of advanced hardware and software in ATC training programmes is leading to reduced training time, higher rates of success and lower stress levels for instructors and students.

Feature articles this month focus on aviation safety issues.

A wildlife biologist holds aloft a falcon used to frighten "problem" birds at JFK International Airport.