In a reaffirmation of their commitment to air transport safety, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) have extended their longstanding collaboration.
The agreement, solidified during a visit by Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO secretary, to the IATA executive offices in Geneva, underscores the ongoing efforts to establish and implement global standards for the safe carriage of dangerous goods by air.
Dating back to 1956, IATA’s issuance of guidance for the carriage of dangerous goods has been pivotal in enhancing aviation safety. The formalisation of this process occurred in January 1984 with the adoption of ICAO Annex 18, which delineates fundamental principles for the international transport of dangerous goods.
The subsequent technical instructions for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air further elaborate on these principles, providing comprehensive guidelines and instructions for the secure international transport of dangerous goods.
Collaborating on government-approved technical instructions, IATA and ICAO work jointly to develop practical tools and operational recommendations for the aviation industry.
This partnership yields the dangerous foods regulations, a set of global standards applicable throughout the entire value chain, encompassing manufacturers, shippers, airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handlers.
These regulations, including operator variations, supporting documents, tools, guidelines, and notes, facilitate a consistent and practical approach to the safe acceptance, inspection, handling, and carriage of dangerous goods on aircraft.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasised the significance of this agreement, stating, “The safe carriage of dangerous goods has become common practice, thanks to the strict adherence to global standards and guidelines.
Today’s agreement ensures that dangerous goods will continue to be handled according to the highest globally applicable standards. To this effect, IATA will continue its advocacy work with key stakeholders to maintain a globally aligned, and practically focused approach to the regulated transport of dangerous goods.
This will lead to more efficient and robust supply chains whilst upholding aviation’s number one priority of safety.” The collaboration between IATA and ICAO reinforces the aviation industry’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the transport of dangerous goods by air.
