ICAO to develop war-zone aviation safety measures

   In the wake of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, the International Civil Aviation Organization will convene a task force to study the issue of international aviation safety in conflict zones and how to better share safety data among stakeholders.
   ICAO also pledged to submit the findings of the senior-level task force to the ICAO Council as soon as possible. The developments were outlined in a meeting Tuesday of representatives from ICAO, the International Air Transport Association, Airports Council International and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation.
   ICAO will also look into establishing international regulations regarding “the design, manufacture and deployment of modern anti-aircraft weaponry,” according to a joint press release. They will also research providing “fail-safe” information channels for aviation authorities and the entire aviation industry to use when confronted with potential threats.
   “While aviation is the safest form of transport, the MH17 incident has raised troubling concerns with respect to civilian aircraft operating to, from and over conflict zones,” the organizations said in a statement.
   “We recognize the essential need for information and intelligence that might affect the safety of our passengers and crew,” they continued. “This is a highly complex and politically sensitive area of international coordination, involving not only civil aviation regulations and procedures but also State national security and intelligence gathering activities.”