High expectations for 42nd ICAO Assembly as IATA sets its agenda for global aviation’s future

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed high expectations for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will take place in Montreal, from September 23 to October 3, 2025. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and efficiency, IATA has submitted 14 working papers addressing a wide range of critical topics to be discussed at the Assembly. These papers will play a crucial role in shaping the future of aviation and ensuring its continued development in line with global sustainability goals.

Key Areas of Focus

At the heart of IATA’s proposals is the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation). IATA urges member states to support SAF production and CORSIA, both of which are seen as pivotal to the aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The organization advocates for stronger policies to accelerate the production of SAF and to avoid the creation of conflicting national tax measures or passenger rights regulations, which could hinder the global aviation ecosystem.

IATA also calls for measures to improve aviation safety. This includes ensuring timely accident reports, addressing GNSS interference, and protecting the radio-frequency spectrum, all of which are critical to the safe operation of air travel.

Global Standards and International Cooperation

IATA stresses the importance of global standards in aviation. These standards, often developed through ICAO, ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations across the sector. With participation from airline operators and ICAO Member States, the ICAO Assembly presents a unique opportunity for governments to align on ICAO’s work program and tackle the most pressing challenges in aviation.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasized the criticality of ICAO’s global standards for the aviation sector, saying, “Everybody wants flying to be safe, efficient, and more sustainable. We have a common agenda with governments, and many of our submissions are asking governments to more effectively implement what they have already agreed.” Walsh highlighted that the decisions made at the ICAO Assembly will lay the groundwork for the next three years of work in aviation.

Topical Issues and IATA’s Submissions

IATA’s papers cover various urgent issues facing the industry, such as:

• SAF Production: IATA urges states to revisit targets for SAF use and supports stronger incentives for SAF producers.
• CORSIA: IATA calls for reaffirmation of CORSIA as the only economic measure to manage aviation’s carbon emissions and for states to make sufficient CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) available.
• Corporate Tax Revisions: IATA opposes revisions to the UN’s Model Tax Treaty that would introduce source-based taxation for airlines, advocating for the continuation of residence-based taxation.
• Consumer Protection: IATA requests that states align their consumer protection regulations with ICAO’s Core Principles to avoid conflicting laws and ensure clarity for travelers.
• Radio Frequency Spectrum: IATA calls for the protection of aviation’s critical radio frequencies, particularly in light of 5G and future 6G deployments that may pose safety risks.
• A notable proposal from IATA is the increase of the retirement age for pilots on multi-pilot international flights from 65 to 67. IATA supports this change, provided the existing safeguards, such as having at least one pilot under 65 and standardized medical oversight, remain in place.

As the 42nd ICAO Assembly approaches, IATA’s submissions reflect a focus on addressing critical safety, sustainability, and regulatory issues that shape the future of global aviation. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the sector, as member states work together to implement solutions that can lead to safer, more sustainable air travel for the coming decades.

Tags: Willie Walsh,  IATA, ICAO