The renewed commitment was announced during the 2026 FAA and EASA International Safety Conference held in Chantilly, Virginia.
Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator, said: “This is one of the most innovative moments in aviation, not just for America but also for our international partners. Sharing information and fostering conversations about safety allow us to strengthen our international partnerships and ensure aviation systems evolve safely and efficiently.”
Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, stated: “As aviation evolves at an unprecedented pace, strong cooperation between regulators is essential to maintain the highest level of safety. By working together, sharing expertise, and aligning our approaches, EASA and the FAA can support innovation while preserving public confidence in aviation.”
The three-day conference, held under the theme “Safety Together: Innovation, Integration and Trust”, focused on the role of international regulatory partnerships in supporting aviation safety and preparing the industry for future developments.
During the conference, the FAA and EASA agreed to prioritise cooperation at all organisational levels in line with the U.S.–European Union Aviation Safety Agreement. The agencies also committed to strengthening information exchange on safety oversight, promoting best practices and supporting the further development of Safety Management Systems through proactive and data-driven decision-making.y
Additional areas of cooperation include expanding the sharing of operational data to support rulemaking activities, streamlining approval processes for advanced aviation technologies and operations, and harmonising certification pathways.
The two regulators also pledged to accelerate the safe integration of automated flight deck technologies, support the increased use of portable electronic devices in cockpits, and modernise aircrew training and simulator capabilities to maintain pilot competence in increasingly automated operating environments.
Further collaboration will focus on addressing emerging safety risks, including cyber threats, conflict zones, GPS and GNSS interference, and extreme weather events. The agencies also committed to supporting global aviation safety initiatives through cooperation with other regulatory authorities and industry organisations.
FAA and EASA executive leadership will meet regularly to review progress, identify emerging priorities and monitor implementation of the commitments outlined in the agreement.
The FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference brings together approximately 400 senior aviation professionals from regulatory authorities, manufacturers, airlines and industry associations worldwide. The event is hosted annually on a rotating basis by the FAA and EASA. The 2027 conference is scheduled to take place in Cologne, Germany, from 22 to 24 June 2027.
Tags: Florian Guillermet, EASA Bryan Bedford, FAA