✈️ A Central Role in International Civil Aviation
Thanks to the contribution of its institutions and experts, Italy is an active member of ICAO – the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations specialized agency that regulates and promotes safety, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency in global civil aviation.
📜 From Accession to International Leadership
Italy has played a pioneering role in international cooperation in civil aviation, starting as early as the signing of the Paris Convention of 1919.
This treaty, which marked the first major step toward international regulation in the aviation sector, was originally drafted in three languages—Italian, English, and French—highlighting Italy’s important role in shaping the first international rules on civil aviation.
In the post-World War II period, Italy formally ratified the Chicago Convention, becoming a member of ICAO in 1947, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the sector.
🇮🇹 A Solid and Recognized Presence
Italy has consistently been elected to the ICAO Council, where it has held a seat for decades as one of the most prominent States in international air transport (“Part I”). It actively participates in technical groups that define international standards on safety, environment, operations, air traffic management, and innovation, and works closely with European and global partners to develop coherent and shared policies.
🏛️ Italian Stakeholders in the ICAO System
Italy’s contribution is expressed through multiple institutions, including:
🔍 A Vision for the Future
Italy remains committed to:
- Ensuring the highest levels of flight and infrastructure safety;
- Promoting environmental sustainability in air transport;
- Optimizing aeronautical operations to ensure efficiency and reliability;
- Driving technological and digital innovation;
- Fostering international cooperation.
🏆 The First Italian President of the ICAO Council
In 2020, an Italian national was elected President of the ICAO Council—for the first time for both an Italian and a European.
Salvatore Sciacchitano, a civil aviation expert with a long career both in Italy and abroad, assumed office as President of the ICAO Council on January 1, 2020, serving in a neutral and impartial capacity within the organization. His mandate, renewed in 2022, has concluded in 2025.
📅 Next Stop: Puglia 2026
Italy will host the ICAO EUR/NAT DGCA Meeting (Directors General of Civil Aviation) in June 2026, the main aviation conference for the Europe/North Atlantic region. This will mark the first time the meeting is held outside France (Paris is home to both ECAC and the ICAO Regional Office).