The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing global aviation safety through deeper collaboration, transparency and trust during a time of rapid technological change.
The renewed dedication was made at the 2026 FAA and EASA International Safety Conference in Chantilly, Virginia. Discussions at the three-day conference, on the theme ‘Safety Together: Innovation, Integration and Trust’ reinforced the importance of global regulatory partnerships to advance aviation safety and prepare the future of aviation.
“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 Florian Guillermet, executive director of EASA. “By working together, sharing expertise, and aligning our approaches, EASA and the FAA can support innovation while preserving public confidence in aviation.”
The two agencies pledged to prioritise cooperation at all organisational levels in line with the US–European Union Aviation Safety Agreement, and to strengthen information exchange on safety oversight to promote a strong safety culture and advance best practices globally.
Further commitments include advancing Safety Management Systems (SMS) towards proactive, data-driven decision-making; expanding collaboration on and sharing operational data to support rulemaking; and streamlining approval processes for advanced aviation technologies and operations to harmonise certification pathways.
The regulators also pledged to accelerate the safe integration of automated flight deck technologies to improve crew performance and enhance safety; accelerate the use of portable electronic devices in the cockpit to transform operations with real-time data; modernise aircrew training and simulator capabilities to sustain pilot competence in automated environments; enhance information sharing and improve coordination on emerging safety risks from external challenges including cyber threats, conflict zones, GPS/GNSS interference and extreme weather; and to work together to support global aviation safety initiatives through collaboration with other regulatory authorities and organisations.
Executive leadership will meet regularly to review progress, identify emerging priorities and share progress on implementation of the commitments outlined in the pledge.
The FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference is held annually and is alternately hosted by the FAA and EASA. Next year’s conference will take place in Cologne, Germany, on 22-24 June 2027.
