ACVFFI at Facilitation Global Forum 2024

ACVFFI proudly participated in the ICAO Facilitation Global Forum 2024, held in Bogotá, Colombia, from October 21 to 23. This prestigious event, themed “Seamless Skies: Efficient Facilitation for a Connected World,” brought together key stakeholders from the aviation industry to discuss and enhance various aspects of air transport facilitation.

Key Discussions at the ICAO Facilitation Global Forum 2024

The Forum addressed key topics to improve global air transport efficiency and safety. A major focus was ICAO’s regulatory role, discussing its mandate and updates in Annex 9, which covers essential aviation topics.

Enhancing regional collaboration and national inter-agency coordination was another significant topic. This session highlighted the importance of cooperation among civil aviation authorities, airports, airlines, and government agencies.

Strategies for facilitating the air traveler journey were also discussed, emphasizing the use of accurate digital passenger data like API and PNR for secure travel.

Public health matters were a key focus, with lessons from COVID-19 to ensure future resilience. The forum also explored ways to streamline cargo processes using electronic documentation and risk-based screening.

A session on assisting aircraft accident victims and their families reviewed ICAO initiatives and Annex 9 requirements, focusing on practical training. Lastly, the forum discussed improving airport facilities to handle traffic growth, including capacity expansion and effective terminal management.

ACVFFI was in Session 6 Assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families

A highlight of the event was the impactful presentation by Pilar Vera, Chairwoman of ACVFFI, during Session 6. Ms. Vera emphasized the importance of ICAO’s Annex 9 in ensuring passenger safety and providing structured assistance to air crash victims and their families. She highlighted ACVFFI’s achievements, such as the development of a common model for victim assistance (Policy Doc 9998 and Guide Doc 9973), the inclusion of victim assistance in Annex 9, and the establishment of the International Day of Air Accident Victims and their Families.

Ms. Vera also shared valuable lessons learned, stressing the need for accurate information, empathetic attention, independent investigations, and respect for the rights of deceased passengers and their families. She called for continued efforts to implement Policy Doc 9998, improve practices among insurers, and ensure the inclusion of victim assistance in airport emergency plans. Her presentation concluded with a plea for international cooperation to alleviate the suffering of air crash victims and their families, emphasizing that the lessons learned from past tragedies should drive future improvements in aviation safety.