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Innovation and milestones: Celebrating International Civil Aviation Day

07 December 2023
3-minute read

Today, on the 7th of December, marks International Civil Aviation Day – a day celebrating the pivotal role of civil aviation in international air travel and social and economic development.

A brief history of International Civil Aviation Day

In 1944, a pivotal moment occurred when delegates from 54 nations gathered in Chicago, USA.

These major decision-makers signed the Convention on International Civil Aviation, coinciding with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) formation.

Fast forward to 1994, and the ICAO established International Civil Aviation Day to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The goal was to recognise the role and reinforce the importance of international civil aviation in:

  • Connecting people and nations across the world.

  • Promoting global trade and tourism.

  • Fostering peace and understanding among different cultures.
     

Civil aviation & a catalyst for progress

Initially designed to celebrate the major aviation achievements and advancements, International Civil Aviation Day has since evolved to highlight the ongoing efforts by governments and organisations to make air travel safer, more sustainable and accessible for all.

Now, with the adoption of Agenda 2030 by the UN and nations worldwide, we are propelled into a new and highly anticipated era of global sustainable development.

International flights are a fundamental component of global peace and prosperity, affecting our lives in many aspects.

Did you know?

  • The International Civil Aviation network carries over 4 billion passengers a year.

  • The global air transport sector provides 65.5 million jobs.

  • Every day, 120,000 flights carry 12 million passengers to their destinations.


International Civil Aviation Day Theme: Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development

IACO sets the theme for International Civil Aviation Day every 5 years. The last theme was in 2019, lasting until 2023.

From this year until 2027, the theme for International Civil Aviation Day is ‘Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development’. The focus is on how sustainable innovation will continue shaping and improving civil aviation worldwide.


How can NQA support aerospace industries?

NQA stands at the forefront of aerospace standards with our comprehensive certification offerings.

By embracing these globally recognised standards (including AS9100, AS9110, AS9120 and AS6081), organisations can open avenues to compete in international markets.

These standards address a wide range of areas, from product safety to counterfeit part mitigation, providing a robust framework for quality management. 


Final thoughts from NQA

NQA's commitment to continuous improvement and specialised certifications ensures that aerospace manufacturers and suppliers:

  • Streamline processes

  • Plan for sustainable growth

  • Effectively manage risks

…vital components in an industry crucial to global connectivity and prosperity.


For more details about NQA’s active involvement in aerospace, visit our certifications page.


Take this year’s theme of innovation in your stride. Explore our sustainability services at NQA.