CANSO and ICAO cooperate to improve safety in Air Navigation Services

Safety in air navigation services will take a major step forward with an agreement signed today between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO). The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) is designed to improve air navigation safety performance worldwide by creating a framework for enhanced air navigation safety dialogue, cooperation and information exchange between the two organisations.

The partnership agreement confirms the increasing level of cooperation demonstrated by the two aviation organisations over recent years, notably in the area of runway safety. It also supports the development of an aviation safety intelligence model – a shared safety data bank that brings together all aviation industry stakeholders in the collection, analysis and sharing of safety information. Improved safety data will result in a better allocation of resources based on need and safety risk assessment.

Speaking at the signing of the MoC in Madrid on the eve of the World ATM Congress, Roberto Kobeh González, President of the Council of ICAO said, "The establishment of this framework is an important step in helping CANSO and ICAO achieve the highest levels of aviation safety worldwide. Increased collaboration is essential to permitting States and industry to more proactively identify and address safety threats before they lead to a serious incident or accident.”

“CANSO and ICAO are committed to lifting further the level of safety performance by working closely together and sharing our experience and information,” said CANSO Director General Jeff Poole.

CANSO has an active safety programme that develops ʻbest practiceʼ among Member air navigation service providers (ANSPs). It has delivered a Standard of Excellence in safety management systems, which is aligned with ICAO standards and recommended practices, and drives continuous improvement in safety management among ANSPs. While the ICAO recommendations describe what is expected of States, the CANSO guidance outlines how these requirements can be best met based on the collective experience of ANSPs.

CANSO will further roll out its Standard of Excellence to even more ANSPs in cooperation with industry partners and stakeholders, through promotion activity, publications and training aids. “ICAOʼs support is particularly important,” said Poole, “and the signing of this MoC is a concrete example of CANSOʼs partnership approach in action and our determination to deliver real value through the improvement and transformation of global ATM performance.”