Aviation Leaders Tackle Security, Emissions and Staffing at Montreal Summit
A major global aviation summit began this week in Montreal, drawing leaders from across the industry. The event comes as the sector grapples with growing flight numbers, labour shortages, cyber threats and environmental concerns.
Despite the pressing need for action, the summit’s environmental focus drew criticism from the US. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to prioritise aviation safety and security instead.
Technology has helped improve efficiency in aviation. However, vulnerabilities remain. On Monday, major European airports suffered disruptions after hackers targeted automated check-in systems, highlighting ongoing security risks.
ICAO calls for transformation of global air travel system
ICAO estimates that current aviation infrastructure, built to serve 4.6 billion passengers a year, will not be able to handle the projected demand. By 2050, nearly triple that number may be travelling by air.
“A system currently built to serve 4.6 billion passengers will not accommodate three times that number, unless we ensure its transformation,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.
ICAO’s triennial assembly, which runs until 3 October, has brought together aviation officials and country delegates to discuss these growing pressures. Many defended the agency’s focus on environmental targets, despite the US objections.
Geopolitical tensions influence aviation dialogue
Political issues have also made their way into the summit. ICAO’s governing council has addressed incidents involving Russia and North Korea. These include violations of international aviation rules through interference with satellite navigation systems.
Vincent Correia of McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law noted that aviation cooperation has historically persisted even during times of political tension. “I tend to be optimistic, but I know as well that the tensions are very, very high at the moment,” he said.
North Korea submitted a paper accusing ICAO of applying double standards, pointing to South Korea’s alleged drone activities. Russia, which lost its seat on ICAO’s council in 2022, is seeking re-election and calling for an end to aviation-related sanctions.
Staffing shortages and emissions targets remain key concerns
Another major issue facing the sector is a growing labour shortage. Air travel demand has surged since the pandemic ended, yet staffing has not kept pace. ICAO projects that 670,000 new pilots will be needed by 2043.
India has called for a global hiring code to prevent pilot poaching, while Brazil is focusing on improving workforce diversity. “Fifty-one percent of our population are women and only 3% of our pilots are women,” said Tiago Faierstein, head of Brazil’s civil aviation regulator ANAC.
On the environmental front, progress remains slow. Although airlines are committed to reducing emissions, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) admits the industry will fall short of its 5% emissions reduction target by 2030.
“It is clear that there are some airlines who struggle to see how we can afford the transition to net zero,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. Still, he stressed that the industry remains committed to change.
with inputs from Reuters