ICAO

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1944 by the Chicago Convention. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ICAO sets international standards and regulations for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) published as Annexes to the Chicago Convention
• Assigning four-letter airport codes (e.g., KJFK, EGLL, SBGR) used worldwide for flight planning and ATC
• Defining three-letter airline designators and call signs
• Establishing standards for airspace classification, flight rules, and air navigation
• Coordinating global air traffic management modernization

ICAO has 193 member states. Its standards form the foundation of international civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft can operate safely across borders worldwide.