The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will participate in the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to be held in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025, with an agenda packed with priorities: operational safety, sustainability, and efficiency in global air transport management.
Expectations for a Key Meeting
ICAO accepted 14 working papers submitted by IATA, covering topics ranging from the production of sustainable fuels to passenger protection and safety against navigation system interference.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, emphasized that it is vital to boost the production of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), consolidate the CORSIA scheme as the sole economic instrument against emissions, and avoid fragmented fiscal and regulatory measures that hinder airline operations.
“The challenge is to ensure that governments effectively implement what has already been agreed and advance a framework of global standards. The industry and states share the same goal: safer, more efficient, and more sustainable flights,” Walsh stressed.
Key Topics on the Table
Boosting SAF
IATA calls on states to review the SAF usage targets agreed upon at the Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3), as setting mandates without ensuring production increases costs. The organization demands economic incentives for producers, a functional market, and policies that correct distortions.
CORSIA Under Pressure
The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), agreed upon in 2016, could generate up to $17 billion in climate financing by 2035. However, only Guyana has issued eligible emission units (EEUs), while new national and regional taxes undermine the scheme. IATA urges governments to reaffirm their commitment and ensure the availability of sufficient credits.
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Corporate Taxation
The revision of Article 8 of the UN Model Tax Convention threatens to apply taxes based on income generated per country (source-based system), instead of the traditional taxation at the airline’s headquarters (residence-based). This would impose a huge administrative burden without increasing tax revenue and with the risk of double taxation. IATA requests ignoring this change and maintaining the current model.
Consumer Protection
The proliferation of national regulations on passenger rights has created a patchwork of conflicting rules, complicating the traveler experience and disproportionately burdening airlines. The association calls for respect for ICAO principles, international alignment, and clear guidelines to define extraordinary circumstances and distribute responsibilities in case of major disruptions.
Communications Security
The expansion of 5G and 6G networks threatens critical bands such as the 4.2-4.4 GHz band used by radio altimeters. The United States, Canada, and Australia have already faced risks at airports, forcing mitigation through antenna changes while progressing with equipment modernization. IATA calls for the protection of essential frequencies, coordination among regulators, and the establishment of realistic timelines.
Air Accidents and Transparency
Only 57% of accidents between 2018 and 2023 have final reports published, non-compliant with ICAO Annex 13, which requires reports within one year or periodic updates. The lack of information limits safety lessons. IATA demands strict compliance and support for countries with limited resources for investigations.
GNSS Interference Risks
The increase in GNSS interference and spoofing incidents, especially near conflict zones, concerns the industry. Although redundancies exist, IATA considers the situation unacceptable and demands civil-military coordination, detection measures, development of resilient equipment, and contingency plans.
Aircraft Mandates
The adoption and implementation processes of SARPs (ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices) are often delayed due to regulatory and supply chain bottlenecks. This creates national differences and delays safety benefits. IATA calls for more flexible mechanisms and realistic timelines to comply with mandates.
Pilot Age Limit
Current regulations require retirement at age 65 for multipilot international flights. IATA proposes raising the limit to 67, provided there is at least one pilot under 65 in the cockpit, accompanied by enhanced and standardized medical checks. This aims to reflect longer and healthier careers without compromising safety.
A Future at Stake
The ICAO Assembly is held every three years and defines the roadmap for global aviation. For IATA, the decisions made in Montreal will not only shape immediate work but will also determine the sector’s ability to meet its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and ensure safe operations in an increasingly complex environment.
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