FAA, EASA Renew Cooperative Efforts at Safety Summit

At the FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference in mid-June, the FAA and EASA pledged to strengthen “collaboration, transparency, and trust during a period of rapid technological innovation,” according to the FAA. Nearly 400 representatives—from regulators, manufacturers, airlines, and aviation associations—participated in the event, which was held in Chantilly, Virginia, and aimed to advance global aviation safety.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Safety Together: Innovation, Integration, and Trust.” The FAA and EASA agreed that they would prioritize cooperation “at all organizational levels” as specified in the U.S.-European Union aviation safety agreement and work with other regulatory authorities and organizations “to support global aviation safety initiatives;” improve safety oversight information exchange; work to improve “proactive, data-driven decision-making” using safety management systems; share more operational data to support rulemaking efforts; and harmonize certification pathways for advanced aviation technologies and operations to streamline approval processes

They alsoi pledged to work to speed up “safe integration of automated flight deck technologies to improve crew performance and enhance safety,” including use of portable devices “to transform operations with real-time data;” develop modern training and simulation to help pilots maintain competence in automated environments; and share information and coordinate on risks such as cyber threats, conflict zones, GNSS jamming and spoofing, and extreme weather.

Plans call for the two regulators’ executive leadership to review progress regularly and “identify emerging priorities.”

“This is one of the most innovative moments in aviation, not just for America but also for our international partners,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Sharing information and fostering conversations about safety allow us to strengthen our international partnerships and ensure aviation systems evolve safely and efficiently.”

“As aviation evolves at an unprecedented pace, strong cooperation between regulators is essential to maintain the highest level of safety,” said EASA executive director Florian Guillermet. “By working together, sharing expertise, and aligning our approaches, EASA and the FAA can support innovation while preserving public confidence in aviation.”

During a panel session with FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau and Guillermet, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen engaged the regulators in a discussion about how government and industry can work together “to foster continued innovation and investment in aviation, amid significant organizational change, and a rapidly shifting landscape,” according to NBAA.

Rocheleau and Guillermet agreed that the introduction of new technologies needs to be accelerated. This includes speeding up standards development to accommodate products that “enter the airspace faster than traditional rulemaking can accommodate.” Guillermet sees an opportunity to develop direct submission processes for regulators to submit mature standards to ICAO and avoid burdensome procedures.

Addressing the implementation of AI, Bolen asked the regulators how they are addressing the risks and rewards of new technological tools. “AI can be a blessing. It can be a curse, it can be a force multiplier, it can be a security risk,” he said.

In response, Rocheleau and Guillermet said that if AI is deployed with clear regulatory frameworks, it could help enhance safety oversight.