Happy International Civil Aviation Day!

December 7, 2022

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialist organization within the United Nations, established December 7 as the day to celebrate civil aviation's impact on the world. Tourism and business have changed forever due to flying, not to mention the cultural connections that have been enabled.

The first International Civil Aviation Day was held in 1994 as part of ICAO’s 50th anniversary, and in 1996 the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day. They agreed to try and use the day to reinforce the importance of civil aviation to social and economic development and to recognize the unique role the International Civil Aviation Organization plays in helping countries to cooperate and bring to life a genuinely global transit network.

As the UN has now adopted Agenda 2030, a pledge for the reduction of pollution that comes with the end goal of a new era in global sustainable development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity remains just as relevant. As such, in recognition of ICAO’s 75th anniversary, the council selected the theme “75 Years of Connecting the World” for the 2019 celebrations, which will run through to 2024.

International Civil Aviation Day is a day to enjoy the extraordinary things humans are capable of and to look at the future as we continue to innovate and bring cultures closer together.

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY TIMELINE

1924 First round the world flight Eight U.S. Army Air Service pilots and mechanics flew the globe by air for the first time, taking 175 days. September 17, 1908 First airplane fatality Passenger Thomas Etholen Selfridge died after a crash during a flight demonstration at Fort Myer, Virginia. December 17, 1903 First airplane flight Orville Wright performed his first flight near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. September 19, 1783 First balloon flight Joseph-Michael and Jacques-Ètienne Montgolfier demonstrated the first flight of their hot-air balloon.

HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY

Thank a civil aviation worker

One of the most direct—and profound —ways to show appreciation for a civil aviation worker is to tell them. Pilots and flight attendants may come to mind first, but don’t forget about air traffic controllers, who keep the skies and runways safe for all of us, and baggage handlers, which somehow defy logic and ensure baggage ends up at its final destination. If you are friends with an aviation worker, give them thanks and a pat on the back this December 7.

Consider employment in the civil aviation industry. If you’re in the market for a job, try researching the many positions available in this industry. You’d be surprised by the vast demand for skills. From labor-intensive outside work to marketing and advertising office gigs, you’ll likely find something that fits your needs.

Get involved If you’re passionate about helping nations further develop socially and economically, there are many ways you can get involved with the ICAO. The current theme for International Civil Aviation Day is “Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left behind,” The ICAO will hold meetings, events, and meetups to discuss how to push this agenda.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT AIRPLANES

1. They are sturdy Some planes can fly for more than five hours after one of their engines goes out.

2. Airplane air is drier than normal So remember to keep hydrated and moisturized!

3. A Boeing 747 is more fuel-efficient than your car. At 1 gallon of fuel every second, A Boeing 747 offers 0.2 miles per gallon of fuel.

4. Takeoff and landing are the most dangerous times. About 61 percent of all fatal accidents that occur on planes happen during these times specifically.

5. They are all around us. On average, about 8000 airplanes fly over the world’s skies at any minute.