ICAO strengthens partnerships with European aviation leadership during visit to France

Montréal and Paris, 25 June 2025 – New commitments from French and European government authorities and industry to accelerate progress towards zero-fatalities, net-zero carbon emissions and global air connectivity have resulted from the ICAO Council visit to France, which coincided with the 2025 International Paris Air Show.

At the invitation of the French Government, and with support from the Groupement des industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales (GIFAS), ICAO leadership attended the Paris Air Show and held a series of high-level meetings in Paris and Toulouse.

Discussions between French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, focused on measures to strengthen partnership in accordance with ICAO's Strategic Goals.

The Organization's priorities were further highlighted at an "Industry and Innovation Day," which was followed by a series of high-level engagements with aviation industry leaders on artificial intelligence. 

ICAO also concluded a new Training Fellowship Programme agreement with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).

New ICAO-Airbus partnership supports innovation and sustainable aviation

Following their activities at the International Paris Air Show, ICAO concluded a new Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus at its headquarters in Toulouse. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas, including capacity development, technical support, sustainable aviation fuels and ICAO's new Finvest Hub, along with initiatives aimed at fostering the next generation of aviation professionals and empowering women in aviation.

ICAO's leadership praised Airbus' commitment to sustainable aviation development and underscored the potential of this new partnership to enhance sustainability, drive innovation, and strengthen resilience across the aviation ecosystem, and make a lasting contribution to the future of air transport.

European Regulators Strengthen Regional Cooperation

The Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) from Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa gathered in Paris on 17 June 2025 for the EUR/NAT DGCA Meeting. This event convened over 100 aviation leaders from 50 States, including partner States, under the theme "Advancing Aviation through People and Partnerships". The meeting resulted in decisions on concrete actions and renewed commitments to deeper engagement and cooperation across the EUR/NAT area.

During the proceedings, Council President Sciacchitano and Secretary General Salazar emphasized the strength and the diversity of the "EUR/NAT area". They highlighted how this area — spanning Europe, the North Atlantic, Central Asia, and North Africa — possesses a strong capacity to implement ICAO's 2026-2050 strategic plan.

Several bilateral engagements and agreements on the sidelines of this event further reinforced ICAO's strategic priorities.

Bilateral meetings with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan advanced specific cooperation initiatives, while the signing of a new Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding between ICAO and the United Arab Emirates is set to enhance implementation support for the benefit of EUR/NAT States with priority needs.

The developments in France during the ICAO mission reflect significant support from national and European stakeholders for the Organization's global vision and strategic goals for the future of air transport.

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About ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its 193 member states develop and implement global aviation strategies, technical standards, and capacity building activities to enhance the safety, sustainability, and inclusivity of air services worldwide. ICAO's mission is to expand access to air transport while progressing towards zero aviation fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions. This year, the Organization is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

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