The International Civil Aviation Organization

The International Civil Aviation Organization

Origin, Objectives and Achievements

Introduction:

Civil aviation is a powerful force for progress in our modern global society. It creates and supports millions of jobs worldwide. It forms part of the economic lifeline of many countries. It is a catalyst for travel and tourism, the world's largest industry. Beyond economics, air transport enriches the social and cultural fabric of society and contributes to the attainment of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Therefore, providing a cohesive, global form of organization for such activities is essential in ensuring their quality, stability and effectiveness.

The International Civil Aviation Organization:

I- Definition:

The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations, whose mandate is to ensure the efficient, safe and orderly evolution of international civil aviation.

II- Origin:

The International Civil Aviation Organization was first established in Chicago, U.S in December 1941, in the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which also formed its charter. The convention, also known as the Chicago convention, established rules of airspace, airplane registration and safety, and details the rights of the signatories in relation to air travel.

The charter document was signed on December 7, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois by 52 signatory states. It received the requisite 26th ratification on March 5, 1947 and went into effect on April 4, 1947. The convention has since been revised seven times (in 1959, 1963, 1969, 1975, 1980, 1997, and 2000).

The convention states that the organization is made up of an Assembly, a Council and a Secretariat. The chief officers are the President of the Council and the Secretary General.

 The Assembly, composed of representatives from all Contracting States, is the sovereign body of ICAO. It meets every three years

• Reviews in detail the work of the Organization.

• Sets policy for the coming years and establishes a triennial budget.

• Elects the Council, the governing body for a three-year term.

 The Council is composed of members from 33 States who maintain their offices and conduct their business at the ICAO Headquarters.

• Adopts