Montreal, 30 November 2007 – Global Air Transport – a driver of sustainable economic, social and cultural development is the theme for the 2007 edition of International Civil Aviation Day, celebrated annually on 7 December to mark the creation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on that day in 1944.
The purpose of the annual celebration is to establish and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States. The role of ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport is emphasized in this context.
International Civil Aviation Day was first celebrated on 7 December 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the charter of ICAO. In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government, the United Nations General Assembly by resolution officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day and listed it as an official UN day.
Every year, States are encouraged to develop programmes of activities. Flag raisings, award presentations, air shows, exhibitions, tours and symposia can all be part of these programmes throughout the year. A brief description of International Civil Aviation Day, news releases as well as messages from the President of the Council and the Secretary General from previous celebrations can be viewed at the ICAO website: www.icao.int.
Note to Editors: ICAO has developed guidelines to help States evaluate the contribution of their civil aviation industries to a given local, regional or national economy. Circular 292 – Vol. 2, is available through ICAO’s Document Sales Unit at www.icao.int/icao/en/m_publications.htm