International Civil Aviation Organization Creates Aircraft Tracking Task Force

Following last month's loss of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 when it was shot down over a part of Ukraine that has seen fighting between nationalist and separatist troops, the International Civil Aviation Organization has reportedly created an Aircraft Tracking Task Force that will discuss options for tracking airplanes. The organization also created the Task Force on Risks to Civil Aviation Arising from Conflict Zones to examine risks to civilian airplanes in war-torn areas.


 

In a statement, Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director and COO of the Global Business Travel Association, said that the GBTA “applauds and supports the International Civil Aviation Organization for taking the important step of creating an Aircraft Tracking Task Force and a Task Force on Risks to Civil Aviation Arising from Conflict Zones. The combination of the missing Malaysia Airline Flight 370 and the downing of Malaysia Flight 17, have made some travelers nervous – these task forces can provide the industry with guidance and steps that can be taken to further advance air travel safety. 

"With global business travel spending expected to hit a record $1.18 trillion in 2014, a 6.9 percent increase over spending in 2013, it’s critical that business travelers feel safe when they fly.
 
"We look forward to working with the ICAO and these two task forces as they determine the organizations next steps on these vital issues of safety.”