ICP4

International Civil Aviation Organization

Abbreviation	ICAO
Formation	4 April 1947
Type	Specialized agency of the United Nations
Headquarters	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Membership	193 countries
President of the Council	Salvatore Sciacchitano
Website	www.icao.int

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). ICAO works with the Convention's 193 Member States and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

History

ICAO was established in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. The organization officially came into existence on 4 April 1947. The Chicago Convention was signed by 52 countries in December 1944, and it laid the foundation for the standards and regulations that govern international air travel.

Structure

ICAO is governed by an Assembly of 193 Member States, which meets at least once every three years. The Assembly elects a Council, which is the governing body of ICAO and is composed of 36 Member States elected for a three-year term. The Council is responsible for adopting SARPs and for overseeing the work of ICAO.

The Secretariat of ICAO is headed by a Secretary General and is divided into five main bureaus: the Air Navigation Bureau, the Air Transport Bureau, the Technical Cooperation Bureau, the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, and the Bureau of Administration and Services.

Functions

ICAO's primary function is to develop international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) which are used by Member States to ensure that their local civil aviation operations and regulations conform to global norms. These SARPs cover all aspects of international civil aviation, including safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Safety

ICAO sets global standards for aviation safety, which are implemented by Member States. The organization conducts audits and provides assistance to help countries improve their aviation safety oversight capabilities.

Security

ICAO develops policies and standards to enhance the security of international air transport. This includes measures to prevent unlawful interference with civil aviation, such as terrorism and other criminal activities.

Environmental Protection

ICAO works to minimize the environmental impact of aviation, focusing on issues such as aircraft noise, emissions, and sustainable alternative fuels.

Economic Development

ICAO supports the economic development of international air transport by promoting the liberalization of air services and the removal of barriers to market access.

Also see

• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• Air Traffic Control (ATC)

References

• ICAO Official Website
• "Convention on International Civil Aviation," Chicago, 1944.