Trade Policy Development - ICAO

ICAO’s aim in the area of Economic Development of Air Transport is to exert a leadership role in harmonizing the air transport framework focused on economic policies and supporting activities. It also refers to fostering the development of an economically viable civil aviation system (airlines, airports, air navigation services providers, etc.) and in enhancing its economic efficiency and transparency while facilitating access to funding for aviation infrastructure and other investment needs, technology transfer and capacity building to support the growth of air transport and for the benefit of all stakeholders. The delivery of the results with respect to this Strategic Objective will contribute to producing the following outcomes:

1. Coherent and harmonized global regulatory framework for international air transport, thereby removing impediments to economic sustainability and maximizing aviation’s contribution to economic development;

2. Securing of, and increased access to funding for aviation infrastructure and States’ oversight functions, as well as efficient use of resources and technologies;

3. Solutions to overcome infrastructure and airspace capacity constraints and improve organizational and managerial capabilities and corporate governance;

4. Better cooperation amongst the aviation community and all aviation stakeholders, and smooth adaptation to the changes in civil aviation, the global business environment, and the market;

5. Significant savings by States in conducting air services negotiations, and performing regulatory functions;

6. Availability of accurate, reliable and consistent aviation data for States’ decision-making and accountability, and for operations transparency to all the air transport stakeholders and markets; and

7. Availability of tools and forecasting necessary to measure and, to the extent possible, predict the various aspects of civil aviation development.

The Organization has developed a comprehensive policy framework and practical guidance for use by States in adapting to the changes in civil aviation and the global business environment. ICAO develops and provides policies and guidance material in the areas of air transport regulation, aviation infrastructure economics and management, aviation data/statistics, forecasting and economic analysis. The work in this field also supports the achievement of other ICAO Strategic Objectives, such as in the areas of safety, security and environmental protection.

The services in these fields are provided to:

• Governments (Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation authorities, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Tourism);

• Air transport service operators and providers and trade and tourism associations; and

• Civil aviation professionals, consultants, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and the travelling public.

The service is provided by:

• Technical support on an as-required basis;

• Dissemination of information through publications (documents, manuals and circulars), training courses and meetings (workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences),

• Inputs: Meetings (workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences); panels of experts; individual expertise;

• Databases access, State surveys, and printed material; and

• Attendance at meetings conducted by other international organizations.