The ICAO Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025) is currently taking place in Doha, Qatar, from April 14 to 17, 2025.
This significant event brings together States and aviation industry stakeholders to explore advancements in air transport facilitation. Under the theme “Facilitating the Future of Air Transport“, the conference aims to promote collaboration, efficiency, and inclusivity in global air travel. A highlight of the conference is the high-level ministerial segment, which sets the strategic tone and renews global commitment to enhancing air transport facilitation.
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Session 8: Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and Their Families.
One of the key sessions at FALC 2025 is Session 8, titled “Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and Their Families,” scheduled for April 15, 2025, from 15:45 to 17:00.
This session delve into the challenges and approaches to improve the assistance provided to victims of aircraft accidents and their families. The discussion will build on the outcomes of the Second ICAO Symposium on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families (AAAVF 2024) and the evolution of ICAO SARPs, particularly Annex 9 Standard 8.47.
Moderator:
- Mr. Pascal Luciani, Deputy Director, Air Navigation and Aviation Safety, ICAO.
Panelists:
- Mr. David Benito, Director General, National Civil Aviation Administration, Spain.
- Ms. Pilar Vera Palmés, President AVJK5022 Accident Victims Association and Chair, Air Crash Victims’ Families’ Federation International (ACVFFI).
- Captain Aysha Al Hamili, Assistant Director General, Air Accident Investigations Sector, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Mr. Albert Urdiroz, Deputy Head of Accident Investigations and Prevention, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
- Mr. Richard Ossendorp, Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to ICAO -AAAVF 2024 Symposium takeaways
Summary of Pilar Vera’s Presentation.
Pilar Vera, Chairwoman of ACVFFI, delivered a powerful presentation during Session 8. She began by expressing gratitude to ICAO and the Government of Qatar for the opportunity to represent the voices of victims’ families. Pilar highlighted the significant milestones achieved since 2010, including the approval of ICAO Document 9998 and the establishment of the International Day of Aircraft Accident Victims and Their Families.
Pilar emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by families of air crash victims, particularly the lack of structured family assistance policies, which exacerbates their suffering. She called for a comprehensive approach that includes:
- A report on the current status of the 30 recommendations from the First Symposium in Spain.
- A code of conduct to balance the interests of various stakeholders.
- A best practice guide for communication with families and the media.
- The establishment of a dedicated unit within the ICAO Secretariat for victim and family assistance.
- Regional workshops to promote the implementation of ICAO Doc 9998.
- Common requirements for accident investigation authorities across Member States.
- The ratification of the Montréal Convention 1999.
- Development of best practices for insurers.
- Inclusion of the International Federation of Victims in ICAO events.
Pilar concluded her presentation with a heartfelt plea for empathy and action, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that no victim or family suffers in silence or alone. Her message was clear:
The policies are in place, but their full implementation and the human compassion behind them must be continuously reinforced.
We invite you to watch the full video of Pilar Vera’s presentation here.
ACVFFI’s institutional statement.
During the closing session, Pilar expressed her deep emotion as she presented ACVFFI’s institutional statement, marking a historic milestone as it was the first time in ICAO’s 81-year history that the voice of air crash victims resonated in a conference of this magnitude. Pilar highlighted the significance of this moment, emphasizing the more than 16 years of struggle for victim and family assistance, and how this effort is beginning to take root among ICAO’s 193 Member States and their international organizations.
The ACVFFI statement, presented by Pilar Vera, underscored the need to implement ICAO Doc 9998, which addresses assistance to air crash victims and their families. Pilar stressed that this statement not only represents a significant achievement for ACVFFI but also a crucial step towards the recognition and implementation of support measures globally. The statement resonated powerfully in the Doha Conference Hall, reflecting ACVFFI’s commitment and dedication to its mission of improving assistance for victims and their families.
This historic moment at FALC 2025 not only highlights the hard work and perseverance of Pilar Vera and ACVFFI but also symbolizes a significant advance in awareness and support for air crash victims worldwide. ACVFFI’s presence at the conference and the presentation of its institutional statement are a testament to the lasting impact the organization is making in the international aviation community. Pilar concluded her speech with a message of hope and determination, reaffirming that the fight for victim and family assistance will continue to be a priority in civil aviation.
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