Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years

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“Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect”. - Captain Alfred Gilmer Lamplugh. International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994. The day is set aside to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of humanity. In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day. The theme this year is “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years.” Noteworthy, the ICAO which is a United Nations (UN) agency helps 193 countries to cooperate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit. The UN and world nations have now adopted Agenda 2030, and have embarked on a new era in global sustainable development. The importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant in a world searching for global peace, prosperity and development. Civil aviation is one of two major categories of flight and represents all non-military and non-governmental aviation, both civil and commercial. Most countries in the world are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and work together through this organization to establish common standards and best practices for civil aviation. The Convention on International Civil Aviation (the “Chicago Convention”) was first set up in 1944; it states that signatories have to put together regulations to harmonize and standardize the usage of airspace for safety, performance and regularity of air transport. After the end of World War II in 1945 commercial aviation grew rapidly, mainly using former military pilots to transport people and cargo. Interestingly, the factory that was making bombers was quickly adapted to make passenger planes like the Douglas DC4. This growth was accelerated by the establishment of military airfields around the world, either for combat or for training. These are easy to use for civil aviation. The first commercial jet to fly was the De Havilland Comet in the United Kingdom. Types of Civil Aviation Civil aviation consists of three main categories: Commercial air transport (including regular and irregular passenger and freight flights): Commercial aviation is part of civil aviation, and unlike civil aviation, it operates aircraft for a fee or for rental. Secondly, aerial work using aircraft for professional services such as agriculture, photography, surveying, search and rescue. It is defined as the operation of an aircraft that uses the aircraft for professional services such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, and advertising. Finally, general Aviation includes commercial activities such as corporate and business aviation, as well as non-commercial activities such as recreational flying. General Aviation (GA) is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as the operation of all civil aviation aircraft other than commercial air transport or aviation services and is defined as a specialized aviation service for other purposes. However, for statistical purposes, ICAO uses the general definition of aviation, including aerial work. Significance of Civil Aviation Aviation is the world’s leading employer, supporting a total of 87.7 million jobs worldwide and providing 11.3 million direct jobs. The industry employs more than 65 million people. In addition to pilots, stewards, immigration officers, luggage handlers, control tower engineers, mechanics, and all those people who design and manufacture the planes. In the United States of America aviation contributes 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports more than 10 million jobs. Aviation enables $ 3.5 trillion in global GDP. In 2023, nearly 97,000 scheduled flights took off, carrying over 12 million passengers and $21.9 billion of world trade. Aviation: The Engine of Global Connectivity Air travel has become one of humanity’s most powerful tools for bridging distances and breaking down barriers. International Civil Aviation Day reminds us of aviation’s critical contributions to uniting the world. From enabling cross-border business partnerships and boosting tourism to delivering humanitarian aid during emergencies, aviation serves as a global lifeline that transcends geography. The day also provides an opportunity for nations to reflect on the ways civil aviation fuels social and economic progress. Air travel allows people to experience adventures in new countries, relax on tropical beaches, build business relationships, visit friends and family. In fact, 58% of all foreign tourists fly to their destinations. As our world economy becomes more connected, aviation connects people. On this the International Civil Aviation Day governments and industry stakeholders are urged to prioritize policies that ensure air travel remains safe, affordable, secure, and efficient for all. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #InternationalCivilAviationDay

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