Airports and air navigation services
In 2021, ICAO continued to develop and update policies and guidance in the areas of airport and air navigation services economics and aviation infrastructure management. The Airport Economics Panel (AEP) and Air Navigation Services Economics Panel (ANSEP) held their Eighth Joint Meeting (AEP-ANSEP/8) from 29 November to 3 December 2021 in a fully virtual format. The meeting outcomes included: the revision of the fifth edition of the
Manual on Air Navigation Services Economics (Doc 9161); updated and additional guidance on cost recovery for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services; potential cost recovery mechanisms for the funding of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and the finalization of stand-alone guidance on business case and cost-benefit analysis, economic impact analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.
In accordance with Assembly Resolution A40-9 (Appendix C), ICAO continued to update and develop guidance and tools on financing for the development and modernization of quality aviation infrastructure. In addition, progress was made in addressing emerging funding and financing needs arising from technological advancements in industry, for example, cost recovery for the provision of space weather information services and the funding of infrastructure to support UAS operations.
To mitigate the financial strain on aviation during the COVID-19 pandemic, ICAO developed the
Guidance on Economic and Financial Measures document, which includes specific measures applicable to airports and air navigation services providers (ANSPs). A working group was also established at the AEP-ANSEP/8 to reinforce the responsiveness of ICAO’s policies in times of crisis and further address the long-term financial viability of the sector.
In March 2021, a capacity-building workshop was jointly organized by ICAO and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) on economic oversight and regulation for the sustainable development of air transport in Africa. The workshop aimed to promote a better understanding of ICAO’s policies on charges for airports and air navigation services and to facilitate their implementation.
