Enhancing air travel safety, reliability

INTERNATIONAL Civil Aviation Day is annually observed on December 7 to generate awareness of the importance of civil aviation in the social and economic progress of nations and of the vital role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in promoting the safety, efficiency, and regularity of civil air travel.

Adopting UN Agenda 2030, nations have embarked on a new era in sustainable development, recognizing that aviation as an engine of global connectivity and safe international flight as an enabler of peace and prosperity.

The Philippines is among 191member states of the Canada-based ICAO, a United Nations (UN) body, and they work together to follow common civil aviation standards and practices. By complying with ICAO standards, they strive for better and stronger global airline service. With the expected increase in global air transport network and rise in total passengers by 2030, ICAO is making sure that air travel will be safe, by setting standards covering air traffic services, flight operations, environment protection, and air safety.

Created on December 7, 1944, to secure cooperation and uniformity in civil aviation, ICAO works closely with other UN agencies – the World Meteorological Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the Universal Postal Union, the World Health Organization, and the International Maritime Organization. ICAO established International Civil Aviation Day in 1994 to mark its 50th anniversary. Its logo has a pair of aircraft wings superimposed on the UN logo.

Every four years, ICAO sets up a special theme. For 2015-2018, the theme is, “Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind.” Science and technology advancement and infrastructure development have led to faster, more reliable, and more convenient air travel.

The theme also promotes ICAO’s efforts to resolve Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) brought to light through its safety oversight as well as security and emissionsrelated audit. Events are held worldwide to focus on the importance of safe air travel, and its impact on socio-economic development. Awareness is raised through seminars, lectures, and the media.

Aviation history began in 1799 when Sir John Cayley made an aircraft with fixed wings and horizontal and vertical tails. The Wright brothers brought about the first sustained flight at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina in December, 1903. Europeans took an early lead in airline manufacture that laid the foundation for an efficient and viable aircraft industry.