International Civil Aviation Organization�s (ICAO) chief activities involve the establishment of standards covering the technical fields of aviation, such as: licensing of personnel, rules of the air, aeronautical meteorology, aeronautical charts, units of measurement, operation of aircraft, nationality and registration marks, airworthiness, aeronautical telecommunications, air traffic services, search and rescue, aircraft accident investigation, aerodromes, aeronautical information services, aircraft noise and engine missions, security and the safe transport of dangerous goods. ICAO recognizes nine global geographical regions which must be treated separately for planning the provision of air navigation facilities and services required on the ground by aircraft flying in these regions.

For the past two decades ICAO has attempted to persuade its signatory states to reduce �red tape� in aviation regulation and to institute International Standards which place an upper limit on what States may demand of the aviation industry. In addition to reducing procedural formalities for travelers, ICAO's seeks to ensure that adequate airport terminal buildings, with all the related facilities and services, are provided for passengers and their baggage as well as commercial air cargo.

Once ICAO�s International Standards, Recommended Practices and Procedures (Standards) are adopted by the organization, they are put into effect by the individual ICAO signatory states in their own territories. These standards are reviewed and amended as necessary to reflect changes in aviation technology.

One of ICAO's significant achievements has been the development of a satellite based system to meet the communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) needs of civil aviation.