IATA Sets Aviation’s Path at ICAO Assembly: Net Zero, Passenger Rights, and Safer Skies

Global Aviation Looks to Montreal for Key Decisions

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is gearing up for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will take place in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025. With 14 working papers submitted, IATA is pressing for decisive action on safety, sustainability, taxation, passenger rights, and operational efficiency, all aimed at shaping the future of global aviation.

 IATA’s Priorities: Safety, Sustainability, and Efficiency

“IATA will be participating in the ICAO Assembly with safety, sustainability, and efficiency at the top of our priority list,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

He emphasized the urgent need to:

• Strengthen support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
• Reinforce CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) as the sole global market-based measure for aviation emissions.
• Prevent fragmented national taxation and passenger rights regulations that undermine global standards.
• Protect aviation’s critical radio-frequency spectrum from interference caused by 5G and 6G rollout.
• Ensure timely and transparent accident investigations in line with ICAO Annex 13 requirements.

“Everybody wants flying to be safe, efficient, and sustainable. The Assembly will set the agenda, but the next three years will determine whether we deliver results,” Walsh added.

Highlights of IATA’s 14 Working Papers

1. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): IATA is calling on states to build a functioning SAF market, incentivize producers, and manage policy to avoid price spikes.
2. CORSIA: IATA insists on recommitment from states and the expansion of CORSIA-eligible emission units to meet climate goals.
3. Corporate Taxation: IATA rejects new UN tax treaty revisions that would burden airlines with source-based taxation, warning of double taxation risks.
4. Passenger Rights: IATA pushes for alignment with ICAO’s Core Principles, avoiding conflicting rules that confuse travelers and overburden airlines.
5. Radio Frequency Spectrum: Aviation safety could be compromised by 5G/6G. IATA urges governments to protect the 4.2-4.4GHz band used by radio altimeters.
6. Accident Investigations: Only 57% of accidents (2018–2023) had final reports. IATA demands states meet ICAO’s reporting obligations.
7. GNSS Interference: With jamming and spoofing risks rising near conflict zones, IATA calls for military-civil cooperation and cyber resilience measures.
8. Aircraft Mandates: Regulatory timelines must be realistic, with flexibility for supply chain disruptions, to avoid safety delays.
9. Pilot Age Limits: IATA supports raising the retirement age for multi-pilot international operations from 65 to 67, with strict medical safeguards.

Why This Assembly Matters

The ICAO Assembly, held once every three years, is the world’s largest gathering of aviation regulators and industry leaders. It sets the course for aviation policy on safety, sustainability, and global connectivity.

For IATA, which represents 350 airlines responsible for over 80% of global air traffic, the Assembly is not just about setting policies but ensuring that governments act on commitments already made.

As the world turns its eyes to Montreal, the 42nd ICAO Assembly will play a pivotal role in determining how global aviation tackles its most pressing challenges, from climate change and taxation to passenger rights and flight safety.

The next three years, shaped by the outcomes of this Assembly, could well define the trajectory of international aviation for the rest of the decade.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets high expectations for the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal (Sept 23–Oct 3, 2025). With 14 working papers, IATA calls for stronger action on safety, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), CORSIA, taxation, passenger rights, and aviation standards to shape the future of global air transport.