ICAO expands governing bodies after Ecuador ratifies amendments

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is set to expand its key governing and technical bodies, a move that follows Ecuador's ratification of two amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The organization, headquartered in Montreal, announced that its Council will increase from 36 to 40 member states, and the Air Navigation Commission will grow from 19 to 21 members.

These modifications, approved through protocols signed in Montreal on October 6, 2016, required ratification by 128 states to take effect. Ecuador's deposit of ratification instruments on June 12 marked the 128th state to do so, enabling the immediate application of the amendments.

ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma stated that broader representation of states and their priorities within the Council and the Air Navigation Commission will allow the organization to better optimize the safe, secure, and sustainable development of global air transport. He also expressed gratitude to the ratifying countries, highlighting their commitment to international aviation and its global benefits.

Following the amendments' entry into force, the Council will consider convening an extraordinary session of the ICAO Assembly to elect the four new states for the additional seats. It will also address the appointment of the two new members to the Air Navigation Commission. This expansion reflects the ICAO's growing membership and its commitment to strengthening geographical and political representation in the bodies that shape international civil aviation standards and policies.