Global Air Transport Governance
A specialized agency of the United Nations, the institution serves as the global forum for international aviation. Its mission is to foster the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection.
Establishment and Mandate
Established in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), the organization's mandate encompasses a broad range of activities related to international air transport, including:
- Developing international standards and recommended practices (SARPs)
- Promoting the implementation of SARPs
- Conducting audits and inspections
- Providing technical assistance to member states
- Facilitating cooperation among member states
- Monitoring aviation security
- Addressing environmental impacts of aviation
Structure and Governance
The organization comprises an Assembly, a Council, and a Secretariat. The Assembly, composed of representatives from all member states, meets triennially to set policy and approve the budget. The Council, elected by the Assembly, is the governing body and is responsible for implementing the Assembly's decisions. The Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General, carries out the day-to-day operations of the organization.
The Council
The Council is composed of 36 member states elected for a three-year term. It is responsible for adopting standards and recommended practices, interpreting the Chicago Convention, and addressing disputes among member states.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and is organized into bureaus that cover various areas of aviation, including air navigation, air transport, air law, and technical cooperation.
Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)
SARPs are technical specifications adopted by the Council to promote the safety, security, and efficiency of international air navigation. Member states are obligated to comply with SARPs, although they may file differences if they are unable to do so. These differences are then published and disseminated to other member states. SARPs are published in documents called Annexes to the Chicago Convention.
Key Areas of Activity
- Aviation Safety: Development and implementation of safety standards and procedures.
- Aviation Security: Strengthening aviation security measures to protect against acts of unlawful interference.
- Air Navigation: Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of air navigation services.
- Air Transport: Promoting the sustainable development of air transport.
- Environmental Protection: Minimizing the environmental impact of aviation.
Membership
Almost all countries in the world are member states. Becoming a member entails adhering to the Chicago Convention and supporting the organization's objectives.