ICAO Global Forum Advances the Future of Air Transport Facilitation

The International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Global Facilitation Forum, held in Bogotá from 21-23 October and hosted by Colombia's Aeronautica Civil, brought together some 200 aviation leaders from 42 States and 15 international organizations who will shape key initiatives for air transport facilitation.

The three-day forum under the title of “Seamless Skies: Efficient Facilitation for a Connected World”, marked two significant milestones in addition to celebrating ICAO’s 80th anniversary: the 75th anniversary of ICAO's Annex 9 on Facilitation and Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority's centennial celebration.

"This cornerstone event brought together world experts and stakeholders to advance one of ICAO's fundamental objectives: facilitating borderless and efficient air travel," stated ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

The forum addressed critical aspects of modern aviation facilitation, including:

• Evolution of regulatory frameworks
• Enhancement of regional cooperation
• Digital transformation of passenger journeys
• Optimization of cargo operations; and
• Integration of public health measures in aviation

2024, designated by ICAO as the Year of Facilitation, has provided a platform for the Organization and its Member States to strengthen the regulatory foundations that enable seamless international air transport.

Colombian Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Jorge Enrique Ramírez and Civil Aviation Director Sergio París Mendoza highlighted their country's commitment to advancing global aviation facilitation standards during the forum's opening ceremony.

The forum's outcomes will guide ICAO's facilitation initiatives as the Organization continues working with Member States to enhance the efficiency and security of international air transport.