About the eighth European meeting of the Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA-EUR / 08)

The Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) took part in the 8th European meeting of the Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA-EUR / 08) which was held online on November 11 -12, 2020.

The meeting focused on discussing ideas, strategies and practices for public health in civil aviation. Conference speakers presented their assessments and potential scenarios, as well as timeframes for market recovery and further development of the air transport industry in the region. 

One of the key issues on the meeting's agenda was the flexible coordination of public health emergency preparedness programmes and plans at the global, regional, national and operational levels, in accordance with the recommendations contained in the document "Take-Off: Guidance for Air Travel in the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis".

The IAC, as a member of CAPSCA EUR and the coordinator for interaction with civil aviation authorities of the Commonwealth states, presented a report on the topic "The IAC's activities to ensure the preparedness and cooperation of states participating in the Agreement on Overcoming Public Health Threats in Civil Aviation.

The presentation outlined the activities of the Interstate Council and the IAC in coordinating and harmonizing sanitary, epidemiological, and regulatory support for civil aviation in the States Parties to the Agreement, and in collaborating with civil aviation authorities, health authorities, and other international and local organizations.

Since the begining of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAC has published a COVID-19 information bulletin on its website, which provides operational statistics and incidence rates, presents preventive measures for aviation personnel against COVID-19 and overcome the pandemic, provides access to ICAO operational information, recommendations for the prevention of infectious diseases, and guides efforts to respond to public health emergencies in civil aviation.

The IAC supports the implementation of the CAPSCA-proposed mechanisms for assessing the readiness of civil aviation, designated airports, and providing them with technical assistance. Relevant letters and proposals have been sent to the Member States of the Agreement.

During CAPSCA EUR 08 online event, IAC announced the following proposals:

•      Support the appeal to the Governments of the ACI Worls and IATA and the IATA to urgently implement the common COVID testing protocol as a means to safely open borders and restore of global connectivity

•      Implement a "Health Code" system to monitor the movement of citizens upon arrival and departure 

•      For the global implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and WHO International Health Regulations in civil aviation public health event and emergency preparedness planning online and to provide technical assistance to civil aviation and designated airports.

•      In order to resume flights based on mutual trust between States and in accordance with the CAPSCA technical assistance program, conduct an assessment of the level of preparedness and cooperation in the field of civil aviation of States to overcome threats to public health.

•      Support the activities of the ICAO Response and Recovery Platform and encourage States to actively engage with the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Implementation Centre (CRRIC) in monitoring, documenting, reporting and strictly implementing the CART recommendations: https://portal.icao.int/CRRIC/Pages/default.aspx applicable laws, regulations, requirements, standards and guidelines issued by relevant subnational, national and international authorities.

•      In order to provide necessary information, proposals, and public health measures implemented in the state, as well as prompt analysis and implementation of CART recommendations on public health measures, state CRICC coordinators closely collaborate with health authorities and other organizations involved in civil aviation (state) preparedness for public health emergencies. As information and expertise are obtained, they promptly amend and supplement preparedness plans and other documents.

•      Introduce positions of coordinating inspectors for sanitary and epidemiological support of civil aviation activities and interaction with health authorities in the civil aviation authorities of states.

Under the current circumstances, the IAC continues not only to actively participate in CAPSCA meetings but also to implement all current joint projects with ICAO, as well as a series of its own annual industry events in an online format.

The ICAO European and North Atlantic Regional Office expressed its gratitude to the IAC for its prompt and effective response to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and assured that it will continue to support joint projects.