Global Harmonization Moves Forward at ICAO
As FAA transforms the National Airspace through NextGen technologies and procedures, global interoperability has become a topic of vital importance to industry and governments around the world. NextGen’s counterpart in Europe—SESAR—will offer many similar benefits, though it is narrower in scope. With the world’s two busiest swathes of airspace converting to new air traffic control systems, the question is: “will they be harmonized to ensure seamless global air transport?”
To provide guidance to the global community, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey has accepted an invitation to be the voice of the civil aviation manufacturing industry by being on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Future of Aviation Challenge Team, which first met in Montreal on June 27. ICAO is bringing industry’s senior aviation decision-makers together to develop consensus and coordinate advocacy to move the global air transport infrastructure of the future forward.
The International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), which represents industry associations in the United States, Europe, Japan, Brazil and Canada, accepted ICAO’s invitation to represent the global manufacturing community in its plans to develop a program of block upgrades. AIA, which currently chairs ICCAIA, has member company representatives working as part of ICAO’s team of technical experts to ensure that the harmonization of air traffic systems is workale from the vantage point of manufacturers, ANSPs and the public. By participating, ICCAIA’s member companies can impact the ICAO-led effort by providing the necessary expertise to enhance the system and avert missteps.
While Blakey’s role will be addressing the institutional and political challenges, the Future of Aviation Challenge Team will work in concert with the international group of technical experts from both government and industry. Together they will take this opportunity to help bring a safe, globally interoperable aviation system to reality.
Cortney Robinson
Director, Civil Aviation Infrastructure
