Global Aviation Legal Experts to Convene in London for Pivotal ICAO Forum
London is set to become the focal point of international aviation discourse this week as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) co-host the Civil Aviation Legal Advisers Forum (CALAF/3).
The three-day event, running from 26 to 28 November 2024, will bring together prominent legal minds from across the global aviation sector to tackle pressing challenges, including the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability frameworks.
The summit will feature chief executives, director generals, and legal officials collaborating on innovative approaches to enhance aviation safety, security, and innovation.
Held at a significant moment in aviation history, the event coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, a cornerstone of international aviation law.
The forum will officially open with addresses by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and UK Civil Aviation Authority Chief Executive Rob Bishton.
Delegates will also be welcomed by Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK CAA, at a reception on 25 November.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Mr Salazar remarked:
“The Civil Aviation Legal Advisers Forum has emerged as a leading international event for informing the legal regulatory frameworks that will guide aviation’s transformation worldwide.
“I am confident that the discussions in London will address critical questions around artificial intelligence, sustainability and enforcement – legal work that is fundamental to enabling innovation while maintaining aviation’s exemplary safety standards.”
He also praised the UK CAA for hosting the forum and emphasised the importance of adapting international aviation law to meet evolving challenges while adhering to its foundational principles:
“That these discussions coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention reminds us how international aviation law has consistently evolved to meet new challenges while remaining anchored by its founding principles.”
The forum’s agenda includes discussions on legal and regulatory practices shaping the future of aviation. Panellists, including industry leaders, academics, and legal practitioners, will explore topics such as:
Sustainability and innovation, with a focus on artificial intelligence.
Enforcement of air navigation regulations.
Collaborative mechanisms to enhance aviation safety.
The use of safety information in judicial proceedings.
A special commemorative panel will mark the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, celebrating its enduring influence on global aviation.
UK CAA Chief Executive Rob Bishton underscored the critical role of legal advisers in aviation:
“As we gather for the Civil Aviation Legal Advisers Forum, I am reminded of the pivotal role that legal advisers play in the aviation sector. Their expertise ensures that our regulations are robust, and our industry remains compliant with international standards.”
He added: “This year, we also celebrate the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization signing the Chicago Convention. For more than eight decades, ICAO has been at the forefront of fostering global aviation safety, security, and sustainability. Its unwavering commitment has been instrumental in shaping the aviation landscape we know today.”
As aviation faces unprecedented transformations driven by technological advancements and environmental imperatives, the CALAF/3 summit aims to establish legal frameworks that ensure innovation aligns with the sector’s exemplary safety and security standards.
The event underscores the critical partnership between regulators, the aviation industry, and ICAO as they navigate emerging challenges while honouring the legacy of international aviation law.
This landmark forum promises to set the tone for the future of aviation, as experts converge to chart a path towards a safer, more sustainable, and legally robust global aviation ecosystem.
