All this week, representatives from more than 190 countries have been gathering in Montreal for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) 42nd Triennial Assembly to discuss global aviation policy and consider new industry standards.

Proposals related to next-generation, low- or zero-carbon advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles are on the agenda, and business aviation, represented by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) – a founding member of the CLIMBING. FAST. campaign – has been party to the ICAO triennial discussions around AAM.

The ability of these electric, hybrid and even hydrogen-powered transport vehicles to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint is a central tenet of the industry’s CLIMBING. FAST advocacy initiative which counts 15 stakeholder partner organizations.

“AAM aircraft are powered by true-zero propulsion technologies – batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, instead of conventional combustion engines – making them a carbon-free form of air transportation for a variety of mission applications,” the CLIMBING. FAST. website notes.

IBAC, as business aviation’s recognized voice at ICAO, has been actively participating in the work of the ICAO AAM Study Group, tasked with developing a common global vision for AAM’s successful integration into our shared skies. The Assembly will focus on the need for ICAO to develop harmonized international standards and guidance to ensure the safe, efficient, and secure integration of these new entrants into existing airspace, with a view to adapting existing airworthiness and licensing frameworks.

“ICAO is the forum to develop a globally harmonized and interoperable AAM framework,” IBAC noted in a recent press release. The triennial builds on the increasing focus from both ICAO and IBAC for supporting the certification of AAM aircraft and ensuring their safe, smooth transition into aviation systems globally. ICAO held its first dedicated AAM Summit in 2024; the same year, IBAC began including AAM representation in its membership.

In addition to tackling on-demand aviation and AAM, the governments will discuss new engine and noise standards including those for business aircraft, and debate proposals for scaling sustainable aviation fuel production, availability and use.

In the coming days, additional summaries will detail the work before the ICAO Assembly, the advocacy by IBAC on behalf of business aviation and the ways in which the CLIMBING. FAST. message dovetails with the debate in Montreal.