The Convention on International Civil Aviation, adopted in 1944 by countries around the world, envisioned that “the
future development of international civil aviation can greatly help to create and preserve friendship and understanding
among the nations and peoples of the world.” Founded upon these principles, the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aims to work with all relevant parties and stakeholders to reach consensus on Standards and
Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies. It also works to foster the planning and development of international air
transport so as to ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation around the world. As ICAO marks
its 75th anniversary this year and will hold its 40th Assembly Session in September, we once again call upon the global
community to urge ICAO to allow Taiwan’s professional and constructive participation, which we believe would greatly
help ICAO realize its vision and accomplish its mission of connecting the world.
Taiwan should not be left out
Taiwan, located at a key position in the Asia-Pacific region, has long enjoyed close air transport ties with countries
and areas in the region. The Taipei Flight Information Region (Taipei FIR), for which Taiwan is responsible, manages
large air traffic volumes in East Asia and provided services to over 1.75 million controlled flights in 2018, a 5.8
percent increase over 2017. As of the end of 2018, Taiwan’s 17 airports served more than 68.9 million passengers. Some
92 airlines offered services to and from Taiwan, operating passenger and cargo flights on 313 routes connecting 149
cities around the world. Taiwan is an active stakeholder in the international civil aviation community, and the Taipei
FIR is an inseparable part of the global network of FIRs. Given technical, professional, and pragmatic considerations,
Taiwan urgently needs to establish direct communication channels with ICAO and obtain the most up-to-date rules and
regulations, so that the safe air transport of passengers and cargo can be ensured.
Building a seamless sky together
Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) works diligently to maintain the highest level of aviation safety and
service quality in the Taipei FIR. However, unable to participate in ICAO’s meetings, mechanisms, and activities, CAA
Taiwan is forced to make a substantial extra investment of both time and resources to understand the rationale behind
ICAO’s decisions and to properly implement its SARPs. Taiwan will continue to endeavor to implement measures to meet
ICAO’s SARPs so as to enhance aviation safety and security. Yet allowing Taiwan to participate in ICAO, including
attending the Assembly and obtaining related information, is necessary and legitimate. It not only conforms to ICAO’s
goals of a seamless sky and having “No Country Left Behind,” it would also create a win-win situation for Taiwan, the
Asia-Pacific region, and ICAO.
The need for international support
Taiwan’s long-term efforts to seek participation in ICAO have attracted global attention. The G7 Foreign Ministers’
Communique issued April 7, 2019, following a meeting in Dinard, France, expressed support by stating that “We support
the substantive participation of all active members of the international aviation community in ICAO forums. Excluding
some of its members for political purposes compromises aviation safety and security.” This is in line with our appeal.
As a responsible stakeholder in the international aviation community, Taiwan shares the global interest in safeguarding
regional and global aviation safety and is committed to contributing to the further development of global aviation. We
are willing to share our experience in developing the aviation industry as well as our technical expertise as we pursue
the common goal of safe, orderly, and sustainable development of international civil aviation.