Investing in International Aviation Safety
The FAA’s international collaboration is supporting safe summer travel
By Laurence Wildgoose, FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and Environment
Summer travel season is here, and U.S. airlines project they’ll carry 271 million passengers around the world from June 1 to Aug. 31 — a 6.3 percent increase from last summer and a new record. The FAA is determined to make that happen safely. But aviation safety is not a competition or a solo sport. Consistent, ongoing international engagement is needed to ensure global aviation safety, and we have representation in 15 countries to ensure that happens.
As a founding member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United States has partnered with countries around the world for 80 years to harmonize civil aviation regulations, standards, procedures, and organizations. This cooperation has built an aviation ecosystem where safe, reliable air transportation is commonplace. But as the industry evolves to accommodate new entrants, new technologies and increasing volumes of passenger and cargo traffic, simply maintaining this ecosystem is not enough. Continued investment in a well-connected, global aerospace system is critical.
Last year, we opened a new FAA office in Mexico City. This made strategic sense for multiple reasons. Mexico is the top international flight destination for U.S. residents. More than 10 million American citizens fly commercially to Mexico every year, which represents — 17 percent of all international departing passengers. Mexico is also a strategic trade partner; in 2019, U.S. aerospace companies exported nearly $6 billion in civil aircraft, engines, and parts, accounting for 17 percent of such U.S. exports to the region. This ranks Mexico among the top 10 importers of U.S. aerospace products worldwide. But more importantly, this office increases FAA leadership to all countries in Central America and the Caribbean through more active assistance to the ICAO regional office in Mexico City. And we are already seeing safety improvements — Mexico’s aviation safety rating returned to Category 1 last September.
We know that relationships matter — especially when challenges arise. Natural disasters, regional conflicts, and other emerging threats often necessitate prompt, coordinated actions to ensure the safety of American travelers and airlines. By facilitating and nurturing relationships with other civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers, we build the trust that crisis response requires.
But building trust requires showing up and being present. Our global partners notice when the FAA attends significant international conferences and events. And when we do not show up, it speaks volumes. Activities like data-sharing, promoting best practices, and aligning safety metrics are a few examples of how we export our safety culture to strengthen the global aviation ecosystem.
Global engagement is a strategic priority for the FAA, and we are constantly evaluating our international activities to improve collaboration. By exporting the FAA’s strongest asset — our safety culture — we will ensure the aerospace system is ready to meet the needs of the future.
