By Foster Obi
ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu has announced the official launch of ICAO’s new web-based registration system for aeronautical agreements and arrangements (WAGMAR).
According to him, “Countries have an obligation under the Chicago Convention to register their aeronautical agreements with ICAO so that these can be published,” Dr. Liu explained. “These can include air services and air transport agreements or arrangements for safety oversight responsibilities in the context of leasing or charter of aircraft.”
A state by the UN specialized agency said the new online WAGMAR system represents a significant leap forward in user-friendliness and functionality and should improve numerous efficiencies for aviation stakeholders. “For example, States will be able to manage existing registrations, create or modify agreements and automatically communicate changes with other parties.”
“Additionally, WAGMAR will assist States and operators in meeting the new Standard of Annex 6 requiring all aircraft operating under an Article 83 bis agreement to carry on-board an agreement summary, effective 5 November 2020. The new registration system will allow the automatic creation of this agreement summary for all aircraft under agreements registered through the system by State focal points.
“Lastly, the website will be available on the ICAO public website, providing essential registration information to States, operators, safety inspectors and the public.”
“The new WAGMAR system has been developed using a scalable, state-of-the-art architecture to account for forecast capacity and adheres to ICAO’s stringent new cybersecurity requirements,” Dr. Liu underscored. “It is also integrated with the ICAO Data Network for Aviation (DNA) platform and will be of great benefit to the sector going forward.”
About ICAO: A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and guidance necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 193 Member States.
