The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is gearing up for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), taking place in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025.
IATA has submitted 14 working papers to ICAO, focusing on key issues that impact the aviation industry. At the top of IATA’s priority list are safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Key Issues on IATA’s Agenda
– Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production: IATA is urging states to support the creation of a functioning SAF market, provide economic incentives for fuel producers, and make timely policy interventions to address anomalies. This is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
– Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA): IATA is calling on states to reaffirm their commitment to CORSIA, make available sufficient CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) for airlines to fulfill their obligations, and avoid creating national or regional schemes that undercut CORSIA’s credibility.
– Radio Frequency Spectrum: IATA is seeking to protect safety-critical frequencies used by aviation from interference and ensure better coordination between telecoms and aviation regulators. This includes the critical 4.2-4.4 GHz band for radio altimeters.
– Accident Investigations: IATA is pushing for timely and complete accident reports, as well as support for capacity building in states with insufficient accident investigation resources. Currently, only 57 per cent of accidents between 2018 and 2023 have a publicly available final accident report.
– GNSS Interference: IATA is advocating for better coordination between military and civil aviation authorities to mitigate the risks of GNSS jamming and spoofing. This includes providing timely risk information, developing interference-proof avionics, and contingency planning.
– Pilot Age Limits: IATA is supporting the increase of the multi-pilot age limit to 67, with stronger medical oversight and the “one-under-65” rule maintained. This would reflect longer, healthier careers while keeping safety safeguards in place.
Next Steps
IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh, will hold an online media briefing call to discuss the association’s priorities for the ICAO Assembly. The call will take place on the same day as the assembly, and stakeholders can join using the provided Microsoft Teams link.
As the aviation industry comes together in Montreal, IATA is optimistic that the 42nd ICAO Assembly will lead to tangible outcomes and progress on these critical issues.