Monday, 19th September Technological and operational innovations are taking place across the full spectrum of aviation as the stakeholders strive to become both more efficient and more sustainable, and as new market segments develop. New propulsion technologies to improve sustainability are under development; new operational procedures and technologies are being actively tested; new, electrically powered, unmanned vehicle concepts and continue to appear across several regions and from actors that have little experience of aviation regulation. ICCAIA’s focus for this 41st ICAO Assembly, starting on 27th September, is across that whole spectrum of innovation, identifying the need for concepts of operations and frameworks that will enable innovation while ensuring the highest levels of safety and resilience.
We have been working hard with all our members to bring the key topics to the table, from crisis management to safety of operations, innovation in regulation to new technologies to support environmental sustainability. This Assembly gives all of industry the chance to present its priorities and move the agenda forward on the most important issues and challenges. The papers that we will present are provided below – drawing on experience and expertise across the whole aerospace industry.
Policymaking and Processes for Innovation WP/112
This paper highlights new ways of working to expedite the development of standards and recommended practices as well as ensuring they are outcomes focused and flexible to allow for innovation.
Phased Approach for SARPs Applicability WP/111
This paper recommends a new approach to applicability dates for the implementation of technical standards; namely a phased approach with checkpoints throughout, that defines several steps towards testing, certification, and delivery.
In the mid- and long-term, innovative propulsion technologies, sustainable and alternative energy sources, and changes in overall aeroplane configurations and operations will impact both regulations and operations. The manufacturer-supported technology roadmap developed as part of CAEP’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) effort identifies technologies likely to arrive in various time frames and market segments. This roadmap provides the most complete technology picture available and could thus be used as a basis for a complete review of the impact on SARPs of new technologies.
An Integrated Approach to Health, Facilitation and Crisis Response WP/082
Drawing on the outcomes from the High-Level Conference on COVID-19, the Ministerial Declaration, the work of CAPSCA, CART and the Facilitation panel, a global crisis response framework for air travel facilitation during a major health threat is needed, allowing for predictive action and a rapid response to avoid uncoordinated actions that lead to extended disruption of the aviation system.
Legal and Societal Stakes for the Emerging Air Mobility in Metropolitan Areas WP/110
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) will provide future mobility for passengers and goods in cities and regions. It builds on the advancement of unmanned aircraft system technologies, e-VTOL aircraft and digitalized air traffic management. This paper invites the Assembly to explore strategy and measures for the potential modernisation of the airspace legal framework to address emerging multi-level governance issues in the context of future UAM services/operations and alignment needs across mobility sectors for future integrated mobility operations.
Wake Energy Retrieval (Automated Formation Flight) WP/127
Wake Energy operations in cruise applied to aeroplanes engaged in international commercial operations is one of the most promising complementary ways to reduce fuel burn. This paper provides elements on progress and achievements since the last ICAO 40th Assembly and proposes a strategy to address the required provisions for Wake Energy Retrieval operations.
The Next Era of Air Traffic and Airspace Management WP/087
Foundational change will be needed in the future to benefit from innovation and accommodate the anticipated growth in air transport as well as the integration of new and emerging forms of air transport at all strata of airspace. These innovations carry significant potential in improving aviation safety, security, sustainability, accessibility and affordability across the globe. It is vital that there is global consensus on a concept of operations (CONOPS) for the next era of air traffic management. This paper outlines the needs and proposes an action plan for ICAO, its member States and the industry.
Aircraft Halon Replacement WP/096
Industry is actively pursuing alternatives to Halon for commercial airplane cargo fire protection, and meeting the ICAO 2024 deadline seems achievable. It will be very important to consider aircraft fire suppression as an essential use of PFAS regulations on a global scale, in order to maintain progress in replacing halons.
Certification and operation of firefighting aircraft WP/091
Given the increased frequency and intensity of forest fires and that they are occurring in more diverse global locations, the tools required to fight them have become more critical. Challenges with certification and regulatory approval point to a need for ICAO to develop international standards for the airworthiness (certification) and operations of specialized firefighting aircraft, including rotorcraft.
A Roadmap for Integrated CNS and Spectrum ICNSS WP/084
Aviation Communication, Navigation and Surveillance systems need to embrace emerging technologies for the purpose of safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation. Due to the high demand for radio spectrum from non-aviation users, aviation faces ever-increasing competition for this limited resource. Facing such competition and observing the rapid technology advancements of other sectors of industry, the aviation community has started to rethink the original CNS concept, resulting in a paradigm shift for CNSS, from “segregation” to “integration” while at least maintaining the same level of safety. This paper highlights the need for a roadmap to support the concepts defined by the ICNSS task force.
Extended Minimum Crew Operations WP/099
The continuous improvement in automation and the development of digital technologies pave the way for more and more robust systems and crew-supporting systems. This paper highlights the need for supporting standards and recommended practices for MCO concepts.
Aviation Safety For Regional Operations WP/094
Regional connectivity is a key to economic sustainability and growth, boosting local business, tourism and enabling better access to education, health and culture. However, the safety record of regional operations continues to lag behind the safety performance achieved by other segments of the overall industry. This paper identifies a number of key actions that can be taken towards improving the safety of regional operations and the attached draft Assembly Resolution proposes an action plan for ICAO, its member States and the industry.
Formation flight: Impact analysis and annexes documentation update WP/320
In support of the working paper on this topic, this information paper describes transatlantic trials proving technical and operational feasibility with engagement of some airlines, ANSPs and authorities.
This paper highlights the benefits of optimizing pavement for safe and durable operations, reducing costs and contributing to reduction in emissions.
Climate Action from Manufacturing Industry in Support of Industry Decarbonisation
The information paper presents actions being undertaken and planned by the manufacturing industry sector to contribute to the global aviation industry goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.