The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its priorities for the upcoming 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), urging governments to align on critical global standards for aviation. The assembly, which convenes in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025, will see IATA present 14 working papers covering a wide range of issues, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and efficiency.
“IATA will be participating in the ICAO Assembly with safety, sustainability, and efficiency at the top of our priority list,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“It is critical that we secure stronger support for SAF production and CORSIA as key enablers of aviation’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Equally, we need agreement to follow the principles and provisions of the Chicago Convention to avoid patchworks of debilitating tax measures and passenger rights regulations. And we must shore up safety with timely accident reports, mitigations for GNSS interference, and preservation of critical radio-frequency spectrum.”
Global standards, developed with the input of airlines and governments through ICAO, are fundamental to the industry’s safe and efficient operation. Walsh expressed optimism for the outcomes of the assembly, noting that many of IATA’s submissions simply ask governments to effectively implement what they have already agreed to.
Key Priorities at the 42nd ICAO Assembly
Sustainability
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): IATA is asking states to support efforts to create a functioning SAF market and step up economic incentives for producers. The association believes that targets for SAF use must be reviewed to avoid the price-raising consequences of mandates without a corresponding increase in production.
CORSIA: The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) was agreed upon by states as the sole economic measure to manage aviation’s global carbon emissions. IATA is calling on states to reaffirm their commitment to CORSIA and ensure sufficient eligible emissions units are available for airlines to meet their obligations.
Efficiency
Aviation Corporate Tax: IATA is urging states to ignore proposed revisions to the UN Model Tax Treaty that would create a complex and burdensome source-based corporate tax system for airlines. The association advocates for the continuation of the current, globally-applied residence-based taxation system.
Consumer Protection: To avoid a confusing patchwork of conflicting regulations, IATA is asking states to reaffirm their commitment to ICAO’s Core Principles on Consumer Protection. The association also seeks guidance to better align regulations, share accountability among stakeholders, and account for the specific challenges of mass disruptions.
Safety
Radio Frequency Spectrum: With the rollout of 5G, IATA is calling on states to protect critical aviation frequencies, such as those used by radio altimeters, from interference. The association is also asking for improved coordination between telecoms and aviation regulators to ensure flight safety and set realistic timelines for any required retrofits.
Accident Investigations: IATA highlights that only 57% of accidents between 2018 and 2023 have a publicly available final report. The association is asking states to complete accident reports promptly, in line with ICAO standards, to ensure vital safety information is shared across the industry.
GNSS Interference: IATA is calling for better coordination between military and civil aviation authorities to mitigate the rising risk of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) jamming and spoofing, which are a growing threat to safe navigation, particularly in conflict zones.
Aircraft Mandates: To address supply chain constraints and avoid delays in the implementation of new safety systems, IATA is asking states to create a mechanism for setting realistic applicability dates for new aircraft mandates.
Pilot Age Limits: IATA is proposing to raise the retirement age for pilots on multi-pilot international flights from 65 to 67. This change would retain existing safety safeguards, such as requiring at least one pilot to be under 65, and would be paired with a standardized medical oversight system.
Walsh concluded by emphasizing the importance of the assembly in setting the agenda for the next three years, noting that the real work lies in implementing the agreed-upon standards.
