ICAO supports Canada's "Safer skies" initiative

Member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have supported Canada's "Safer skies" initiative, aiming to protect civil aviation airliners flying in conflict zones.

According to Report, ICAO Council president Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano emphasized that countries have endorsed Canada's 'Safer Skies' proposals through the ICAO Council and taken new diplomatic steps through ICAO in the area of conflict zone risk mitigation.

He also reiterated his deep regret that related diplomatic actions "became so urgent and so necessary this year because of the tragic loss of Ukraine Airlines Flight PS752."

The president noted that the subject of civil aviation and military conflict zones is a complex one, and one which countries placed under renewed scrutiny through ICAO in 2014, following the tragic shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Through ICAO, governments established a special task force, which elaborated a comprehensive conflict zone work program the ICAO Secretariat would pursue.

"The review of ICAO Standards and guidance led to amendments being issued for five separate annexes to the Chicago Convention, and the initiation or amendments of numerous supporting circulars and other guidance materials," Sciacchitano commented. "It also led to the successful development of an entirely new ICAO Risk Assessment Manual for Civil Aircraft Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones."

Noting that ICAO has begun to address Canada's "Safer Skies" proposals in earnest, Sciacchitano highlighted that countries were being surveyed and that their responses would help define the next steps at the multilateral level.

"Governments and operators have key roles to play in helping to assure that future conflict zone risks don't again lead to the loss of civilian lives. The ICAO Council and Secretariat will continue to support and aid their efforts on behalf of the billions of passengers each year who deserve the assurance of safer skies."