«A record-breaking 192 Member States united behind ICAO’s ambitions of zero fatalities, net-zero carbon emissions, and enhanced air connectivity by 2050, with strong calls for adequate resourcing».

With this phrase, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) summarizes the outcome of the 42nd Assembly (A42), held in Montreal from 23 September to 3 October, which set the global policy framework for civil aviation for the next three years.

 

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) participated with a six-member Delegation headed by Deputy Governor and General Director of Economic Oversight & Administrative Support, Kalliopi Lykou. Members of the HCAA Delegation were Argyro Sakki (Director of Aviation Security and Environmental Protection), Marina Basimakopoulou (Head of ATM/ANS Oversight, Regulations and Certification Section), Sarantos Psykakos (Head of Regulations and Oversight of Heliports, Charts and Obstacles Section), Georgia Lykou (Head of Environmental Protection Regulation and Oversight Section) and Efstathia Tsiouri (Head of ASAs, Int’l Affairs and PSOs Section). 

 

The HCAA actively participated in the Assembly’s proceedings with interventions on economic, technical and environmental matters. At the same time, it took part in the coordination meetings of the European Union and the ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference), submitting technically substantiated positions that contributed both to shaping the European positions and to strengthening the national positions of Greece.

Among other activities, the HCAA delegation held meetings — within its remit — with the leadership and senior officials of ICAO and the European Commission (DG MOVE), including Commissioner for European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who participated both in the EU/ICAO Memorandum of Cooperation Joint Committee and in the European coordination for the Assembly’s work.

European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas with the Deputy HCAA Governor K. Lykou

Meetings were also held with counterpart Authorities of EU Member States, as well as with Civil Aviation Authorities from third countries — including Egypt, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the Maldives, Turkey, and Qatar — with the aim of enhancing air connectivity and institutional cooperation.

Furthermore, the Delegation met with the heads of international organizations, including Mr. Abdennebi Manar, Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), and Dr. Kostas Iatrou, Director General of HERMES. Exploratory discussions were also held with the candidates from Japan and Egypt for the position of President of the ICAO Council.

A. Sakki, Head of Aviation Security and Environmental Protection Division, intervening on Security issues

 

In addition, Deputy Governor of HCAA Ms. Kalliopi Lykou and Governor of the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP) Georgios Saounatsos held joint meetings with European institutions (DG MOVE, EASA) as well as with the President of the ICAO Council and senior ICAO officials.

Participation in the Assembly reached a historic high, with 192 out of 193 ICAO Member States in attendance, along with numerous representatives of international organizations with observer status. The Assembly’s work was carried out through its Committees/Commissions— namely, the Executive, Technical, Economic, Legal, Administrative, and Credentials Committees. A particular honor for Greece was the appointment of the Greek Permanent Representative to ICAO, Ambassador Mr. Dimitrios Azemopoulos, as Chair of the Credentials Committee.

G. Lykou, Head of the Environmental Protection Regulations and Supervision Department, intervening on Environmental issues

 

Moreover, the election of States to the ICAO Council took place for the 2025–2028 triennium, with the following European States elected: France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and Poland.

The key outcomes of A42 can be summarized as: support by 192 Member States for the goals of zero fatalities, net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and enhanced global connectivity, along with a strong emphasis on the need for adequate financing to achieve these objectives. It is also worth noting the election of all European candidate States to the ICAO Council for the 2025–2028 term.

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority is the competent national Authority responsible for the regulation and supervision of civil aviation in Greece, as well as the promotion for the country’s international relations in this field. Its mission is to ensure flight safety, passenger protection and the development of sustainable air connectivity.