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Kazakhstan’s aviation sector has taken a significant step to promote global aviation security by participating in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aviation Security Week held in Muscat, Oman.

The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of ICAO Annex 17 and the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention on “Aviation Security”.

Organized in collaboration with ICAO and the national authorities of Oman, the gathering brought together representatives from the aviation sectors of 78 countries along with more than 800 industry experts and professionals from around the world.

The Kazakh delegation was led by Darkhan Yespotanov, Deputy Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, and included aviation security and cyber security experts from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, Kazeronavigatsia RSE and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.

The primary focus of the event was to address contemporary challenges in aviation security, discuss the implementation of the latest ICAO standards and enhance cooperation among member states.

Conferences and seminars deliberated on innovative risk management approaches and adoption of new technologies in aviation security.

The practical training sessions aimed to enhance the qualifications of aviation professionals and ensure compliance with international standards, while the round table discussions encouraged cooperation among countries to address emerging threats to civil aviation.

Special emphasis was placed on measures to prevent cyber security, operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unlawful interference with civil aviation activities.

Participants emphasized that the discussions during the event represented significant progress in global aviation security, with ongoing collaboration enabling stakeholders to stay abreast of international standards and technological developments. is

A key outcome of ICAO Aviation Security Week was the high-level signing of the Muscat Declaration on Aviation Security and Aviation Cyber ​​Security.

The objective of this strategic document is to strengthen international cooperation and implement best practices in aviation security.

The Declaration, based on expert discussions and recommendations, has received broad support from ICAO Member States, the aviation industry and international organizations.

Its main provisions include:

Countering Emerging Threats: Enhancing Defenses Against Insider Threats, Cyber ​​Attacks, and Other Aviation-Related Threats.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: To encourage countries to ratify international conventions aimed at combating unlawful acts targeting civil aviation.
Resource Allocation and Workforce Development: Ensuring adequate funding and specialized training for aviation security professionals.
Information Sharing and Risk Management: Establishing mechanisms for real-time intelligence-sharing to enable proactive threat management.

The Muscat Declaration is based on ICAO Assembly Resolutions A41-18 and A41-19, which reaffirm the global commitment to secure international air travel.

He asserts that aviation is important to the global AviationEconomic development, and tourism, necessitates a strong and integrated security infrastructure.

Given the aviation sector’s increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, the declaration puts cyber security on par with physical security.

It calls for immediate steps to implement ICAO’s Aviation Cyber ​​Security Strategy and Cyber ​​Security Action Plan, conduct regular cyber security training for aviation personnel and strengthen partnerships between governments, industry players and international organizations.

The declaration emphasizes that the security of aviation infrastructure is essential to global stability and economic growth, warning that any security lapse could disrupt international trade, tourism and connectivity.

It also highlights the importance of regional cooperation through ICAO-led initiatives, including the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa (AFI SECFAL Plan), the Cooperative Aviation Security Program – Middle East (CASP-MID), and Cooperative Aviation Security Program – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP).

These programs aim to harmonize aviation security measures while boosting operational capabilities across Member States.

The event underscores Oman’s growing role as a strategic hub for international aviation and its commitment to advancing global aviation security standards. It coincides with two major anniversaries: the 80th year of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the 50th anniversary of Annex 17 – Aviation Security.

Kazakhstan’s active participation in ICAO Aviation Security Week and support of the Muscat Declaration reflect the country’s dedication to enhancing aviation security and cyber security.

By aligning with international standards and collaborating with global partners, Kazakhstan aims to strengthen the resilience of its aviation sector against emerging threats, ensuring the safety and security of air travel for its citizens and the international community.