Bilateral meetings at ECAC’s 42nd Plenary Session highlight global aviation cooperation
Strasbourg, 8 July 2024 — On the eve of ECAC’s 42nd Plenary (Triennial) Session in Strasbourg, ECAC President, Alessio Quaranta, and Executive Secretary, Patricia Reverdy, held several bilateral meetings with international delegations to discuss key issues and foster partnerships. These bilateral meetings underscore ECAC’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and addressing global aviation challenges through shared expertise and cooperation.
Discussions with Japan on ICAO Council elections and international capacity building
The Japanese delegation, led by Senior Deputy Director-General of the Civil Aviation Bureau, Toshiyuki Onuma, and Senior Air Talks Officer, Satoshi Oshima, met with Mr Quaranta and Ms Reverdy. The discussions revolved around ICAO work priorities, Mr Onuma’s candidacy for the presidency of the ICAO Council in 2025, and the importance of international capacity building. Both delegations affirmed their commitment to enhancing their cooperation and addressing global challenges in the sector.
ECAC and Republic of Korea touch upon aviation advancements and cooperation
Discussions with the delegation from the Republic of Korea, led by Director General for Aviation Safety Policy, Peter Kyungsoo Yu, focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) developments and mandatory requirements in Europe, with both parties sharing their recent achievements and perspectives.
The two organisations expressed interest in collaborating on capacity building in key aviation topics and emphasised their willingness to join efforts in sharing expertise. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both delegations’ commitment to work together on topics of common interest.
Focus on aviation security matters in discussions with AFCAC
Discussions with the AFCAC delegation, led by President Silas Udahemuka, focused on aviation security cooperation with ECAC. Both organisations shared insights on topics such as performance standards for aviation security equipment under the existing Memorandum of Understanding.
AFCAC welcomed the extension of the CASE II Project until the end of 2025, marking an impactful decision on capacity-building cooperation in the region, benefiting Africa significantly as it represents 53 of the Project’s 80 beneficiary States.
The two organisations also reiterated their commitment to the enlargement of the ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission and shared their respective initiatives to encourage their Member States to ratify the two protocols amending the Chicago Convention.
Expanding cooperation, cyber security and workforce development explored in talks with Singapore
Talks with the Singaporean delegation, led by Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Tay Tiang Guan, explored expanding cooperation with ECAC, with a focus on the pressing issues of cyber security and workforce development in aviation. Both parties agreed on the necessity to adapt the existing MOU to the rapidly changing aviation landscape to ensure it addresses current and future challenges effectively. The dialogues also touched on the evolution of discussions on the possible establishment of a regional organisation in the Asia Pacific region, with ECAC sharing the European experience in regional cooperation.
ECAC and Malaysia discuss further cooperation
Recent developments in Malaysia were reviewed with the Malaysian delegation, led by Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority, Norazman Bin Mahumd. The deployment of remote towers and related regulatory aspects were a particular focus of the exchanges. ECAC agreed to facilitate contacts between its Member States with the relevant experience, and Malaysia. Both parties also looked at a new cooperation agreement between ECAC and Malaysia, currently under consideration by ECAC Member States.
ECAC and LACAC highlight cooperation and diversity initiatives
Led by President Ingrid Azucena Zelaya, the LACAC delegation engaged with ECAC in discussions highlighting the excellent cooperation between both organisations. Both parties agreed to explore the possibility of jointly organising a conference on air transport to enhance cooperation between their Member States. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue sharing information and good practices, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and global challenges in the aviation sector.