International Civil Aviation Organization

The twelfth session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly met in San Diego, California, from June 16 to July 9, 1959. Represented at the meeting, which was presided over by E. R. Quesada of the United States, were 63 member states, 2 non-member states, and 9 international organizations. After statements by Mr. Quesada and various delegations, the President of the ICAO Council reviewed the activities of the organization since the last Assembly meeting in Montreal. He stated that the greater activity of the organization, which had originated in the directives of the Caracas Assembly in 1956, had continued throughout 1958 and 1959, but the launching of the jet age in October 1958 had radically influenced all developments in civil aviation. Moreover, the airline traffic situation in 1958 had not been a good one, as its rate of expansion, measured in passenger-kilometers, had only been 5.2 percent, compared to the customary 15 percent average increase; however, the same good safety level as in 1957 had been maintained, and the year had witnessed the establishment of several new international routes and a very fast growth in international civil aviation, so that specification and plans had to undergo continual revision. Regarding the financial situation of the world's scheduled airlines, the figures for 1958 could only represent preliminary estimates, but they indicated a further deterioration in the financial picture. The Organization itself had nevertheless continued its technical assistance activities throughout the year, mostly along the lines of advice and training in the ground services connected with civilaviation.