The International Civil Aviation Organization

This chapter contemplates the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) role as the global intergovernmental body for international civil aviation; its crucial role in the promotion of aviation safety, aviation security, and aviation environmental protection; and its responsibility for the sustainable growth of international civil aviation. The chapter examines the Organization’s legal and institutional context, including its privileges and immunities; its status as a UN specialized agency; and the nature, competences, roles, and rules relating to its organs and staff. Following this, the chapter considers the main issues confronting the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau and its Director. The Bureau, inter alia, consults and provides advice on all legal, institutional, and organizational questions of significance; plays a crucial role in policy guidance, standard-setting, and hard law creation; acts as a focal point for the ICAO’s relations with external entities; oversees mandatory and universal audit programmes for aviation safety and aviation security; and plays a crucial role in the settlement of disputes. Ultimately, the Bureau ensures respect for the rule of law in the aviation sector.