ICAO Unveils New Edition of Global Aviation Security Plan to Tackle Evolving Threats

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released a new edition of its Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP), aiming to enhance the international aviation security environment. 

The comprehensive plan, published today, offers detailed guidance to governments, industry, and other stakeholders on addressing current and emerging aviation security challenges.

The updated GASeP emphasises six global aviation security priority areas:

1. Risk Awareness and Response: Enhancing the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks.

2. Security Culture: Fostering a strong and effective security culture within the aviation industry.

3. Human Factors: Focusing on human performance and the professionalization of the aviation security workforce.

4. Technological Innovation: Efficient allocation and use of technological resources.

5. Oversight and Quality Assurance: Ensuring robust oversight mechanisms and quality assurance.

6. Stakeholder Cooperation: Strengthening cooperation and support among all stakeholders involved in aviation security.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted the significance of the updated plan: “The new ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan is both an acknowledgment of the urgent and evolving aviation security challenges we face and a product of ICAO’s unwavering commitment to confronting them head-on. 

“The Plan is a central element in our support for robust action by governments on aviation security and cybersecurity. It also provides crucial support to our advocacy for heightened resourcing and focus for these priorities,” said Salazar.

This second edition of the GASeP is a direct response to ICAO Assembly Resolutions A41-18 and A41-19 and aligns with the UN Security Council Resolution 2309 (2016). 

It aims to help States fulfill their commitments under these instruments and Annex 17 – Aviation Security of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

States have set an aspirational goal to achieve and maintain a robust global aviation security system supported by full and effective implementation of ICAO aviation security standards in all Member States. 

ICAO said it will monitor progress towards this goal through its Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP), which assesses States’ implementation of ICAO security standards. 

Additionally, the voluntary sharing of experiences by States and stakeholders will play a crucial role in measuring improvements in the global aviation security landscape.

As the global aviation community continues to confront evolving security threats, the GASeP stands as a vital tool in ICAO’s ongoing efforts to enhance aviation security worldwide. 

ICAO has urged all States and stakeholders to actively engage with and implement the plan to ensure a secure and resilient international aviation system.