Founded in 1955, the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) is as an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the harmonization of civil aviation policies and practices among its Member States. Their mission extends to fostering understanding on policy matters between its Member States and the broader global community.
With a core focus on promoting the continued development of a safe, efficient, and sustainable European air transport system, ECAC leverages its extensive expertise in aviation, pan-European membership, and close collaboration with ICAO. Serving as a unique European forum, they facilitate discussions on a wide array of vital civil aviation topics, actively cooperating with sister regional organizations, industry stakeholders, the European Commission, EUROCONTROL, the JAA Training Organization, and more.
Earlier this month, during the 72nd special meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCAs) of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar concluded a series of meetings with European States and stakeholders to advocate for partnerships and innovation towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive civil aviation. These included a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects of Malta, the Hon. Aaron Farrugia, at which the Secretary General highlighted Malta’s exemplary progress in civil aviation matters specifically, noting that its experience could help other smaller States optimize their aviation system.
In his address during the ECAC DGCA meeting that took place from 7 to 9 September 2023, Mr. Salazar provided updates on global priorities and offered a particular focus on supporting and fostering innovation, along with advocacy for the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and the significance of the upcoming Third ICAO Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in this regard.
Additional bilateral meetings, focusing on cooperation priorities, were held with several DGCAs from ECAC States, as well as with the Director General of EUROCONTROL and the Acting Executive Director of EASA. The meetings comprised reviews of ongoing projects under ICAO’s Transformational Objective. The Secretary General’s advocacy was further complemented by discussions with leaders of Malta’s aviation industry. These concentrated on their current challenges and ICAO’s role and main activities regionally and globally.
Mr. Salazar was accompanied throughout his mission in Malta by ICAO Regional Director for Europe and the North Atlantic, Mr. Nicolas Rallo.
