ICAO unveils 2026-2050 Strategic Plan: 'Safe Skies, Sustainable Future'

Montréal, 17 December 2024 - The International Civil Aviation Organization has launched its groundbreaking 2026-2050 Strategic Plan - designed to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable global aviation system that will increase connectivity c drive innovation, enhance safety and security, and shape an even more impactful future for global aviation.

Under the theme "Safe Skies, Sustainable Future," the Strategic Plan outlines ICAO's vision for the next 25 years, driven by three essential aspirations:

1. Reaching zero fatalities from aviation accidents and acts of unlawful interference.

2. Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for international civil aviation operations.

3. Positioning aviation as a vital part of a connected, accessible, inclusive, and affordable global transport system, fostering socio-economic development and ensuring that no country is left behind.

Global air traffic continues to grow beyond pre-pandemic levels. Passenger numbers are expected to rise from 4.6 billion in 2024 to 12.4 billion by 2050, and the Strategic Plan presents pathways to respond to the opportunities and challenges resulting from both this rapid growth and the dramatic technological and operational innovations that are expected. It builds on ICAO's legacy of leading international aviation's legal framework, planning, standardization, policy development, and capacity-building activities to address critical issues such as climate change, innovation, and infrastructure development.

"This Strategic Plan reflects our shared vision for aviation's future. It charts a course where aviation continues to drive global connectivity, economic growth, and cultural exchange through sustainable and inclusive development. Together with our Member States, we are building an aviation system that serves everyone., expressed ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano following the plan's approval by the ICAO Council last month.

"This Strategic Plan is a commitment to ICAO's highest aspirations and our practical determination to achieve them," said Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. "As we face unprecedented growth and transformation in our sector, we are setting ambitious yet achievable goals that will shape aviation's future while ensuring no country is left behind."

To ensure ongoing alignment with the evolving needs of the aviation sector and the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ICAO will review and update the Plan every six years to incorporate new challenges, opportunities, and best practices.

Commemorating 80 years of global aviation leadership

The Plan continues ICAO's vital mission to connect the world safely, securely, and sustainably, and comes as the organization commemorated its 80th anniversary on 7 December 2024. It also recognizes the need to embrace the transformative role of technology in aviation's future development, while ensuring that the needs of all Member States are met.