ITF joins global aviation industry in delivering joint declaration to ICAO, on 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is joining 10 leading aviation and transport organisations in pledging its commitment to making the industry safer, more secure and sustainable for all.

Despite eight decades of progress and innovation, made possible by nearly 4.5 million workers, privatisation, de-regulation, and corporate greed still threaten the industry.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the ITF and affiliated trade unions launched a three-step response to tackle the growing crises affecting the industry, calling for relief, recovery and reform. Crucially, the need for a coordinated response between employers, unions and government was highlighted to avoid repeated crises. 

The joint declaration to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) commits to tackling these crises collaboratively, while ensuring continued growth and improvement in the aviation industry. 

Air transport connects five billion passengers, 33% of global trade by value and 58% of world tourists across 67,300 routes to 4,072 airports on a fleet of 29,000 aircraft. The industry has become the lifeblood of trade, tourism, and humanitarian aid, linking families and friends, cultures, and economies in unprecedented ways. 

Sara Nelson, International President of the AFA-CWA and Chair of the ITF’s Civil Aviation Section said: “The world needs an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable aviation industry – and it needs it now as aviation workers are the ones who keep the millions of passengers and cargo safe and secure while travelling around the world every day.”

Gabriel Mocho Rodriguez, ITF’s Civil Aviation and Tourism Services Secretary said: “The aviation industry today is fragile – for workers, the industry is now characterised by inadequate capacity, precarious employment, increased safety risks, long hours and declining pay. We can only overcome this by working together. And this declaration ensures an important commitment by major players to address these crises together.”

Haldane Dodd, Executive Director ATAG said: “Today’s declaration celebrates the achievements of eight decades of progress made possible by the foresight of the Chicago Convention and through the global set of standards set by ICAO, not just in terms of safety and security — making aviation the safest form of transport globally — but as an enabler of global connectivity, allowing this industry to generate $4.1 trillion in global economic activity and support 86.5 million jobs worldwide.

“As we face the challenges of our time, from achieving net zero emissions to ensuring equitable access to air transport, the aviation sector stands united in its commitment to innovation and collaboration, working hand-in-hand with ICAO to shape a future and set the course for the next 80 years."

The 11 signatories vow to continue to work together, ensuring that aviation remains an integral part of a thriving, connected, inclusive and affordable global transportation system for people and goods. 

Signatories

The joint declaration has been signed by:

1. Airports Council International (ACI)
2. Airport Services Association (ASA)
3. Air Transport Action Group (ATAG)
4. Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO)
5. International Air Transport Association (IATA)
6. International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
7. International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA)
8. International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA)
9. International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA)
10. International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
11. The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)