The Secretariat of the International Civil Aviation Organizations “has encouraged” the ICAO governing Council “to consider permitting greater public access to its discussions while they are taking place via online platforms,” according to an agency spokesperson.
Such a decision could cover the meetings of a newly formed COVID-19 Aviation Recovery Task Force.
The exact recommendations have not been released and no decisions have been made by the Council.
But more transparency around the now-closed Council meetings would be a big step for ICAO.
The first meeting of the task force, held online April 29, was closed. Its first conclusions are expected by the end of May, according to the April 29 announcement of its formation.
The ICAO spokesman said he had no information on when the Council would consider the open meeting proposal, or when the task force will meet next.
The Council on April 28 held its first virtual decision-making session. The Council is slated to begin its “committee phase” from May 4-22, during which time five committees develop policy recommendations. The “Council phase” is scheduled for June 8-26. (See previous EYE article.)
Many international organizations have been grappling with how to hold virtual meetings. (See EYE article on 12 UN bodies.) Follow EYE @tobyjmcintosh
The statement from the ICAO representative to EYE states:
The secretariat has encouraged the Council to consider permitting greater public access to its discussions while they are taking place via online platforms, and should it decide to open its task force or other upcoming meetings we will be sure to make you aware.
Task Force Membership List Disclosed
The task force has 24 members, including representatives from national governments, industry groups and multilateral organizations. Philippe Bertoux, France’s delegate on the ICAO Council, was appointed by ICAO Council President Sciacchitano to serve as the chairperson.
The press release did not name the members of the task force, but the list has been provided by the spokesman. The following states and organizations are participating in the task force:
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cote D’Ivoire
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Spain
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
- Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO)
- Airport Council International (ACI)
- African Union Commission (AUC)
- Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO)
- European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)
- European Union/ European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- US/Federal Aviation Administration
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA)
- Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC)
- World Trade Organization
- World Health Organization
