Oman hosts ACAO Environment Committee

MUSCAT: The 29th meeting of the Environment Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) began at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Muscat on Wednesday.
Attended by representatives of several Arab countries, the meeting will last for two days.
The Sultanate of Oman is hosting the meeting after joining the committee as a full member, having previously participated as an observer. Oman also holds the position of Vice-Chair of the committee during the current term (2025-2026).
The meeting aims to review the decisions and recommendations of the organisation’s Executive Council at its 72nd session, follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the 28th meeting of the Environment Committee and discuss the results of the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly related to environmental protection.
The meeting discussed regional and international developments in this field, preparations for the 13th meeting of the ICAO Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) and the prioritisation of activities for 2026.
Khaled bin Hilal al Toubi, Director at Civil Aviation Environmental Protection, affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of this meeting reflects its commitment to supporting joint Arab efforts in aviation environmental protection. He explained that the Sultanate of Oman is continuously endeavouring to develop its aviation environmental protection system by updating and enacting national legislation and adopting the latest practices approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Al Toubi added that the CAA attaches great importance to empowering national personnel and enhancing their presence on specialised technical committees. This contributes to representing the Sultanate of Oman in international discussions related to environmental protection, particularly on topics related to climate change, aviation emissions, noise, fuel efficiency and airport waste management.
The Environment Committee is one of the specialised technical committees of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO). It was established to support joint Arab efforts in protecting the aviation environment and mitigating the environmental impacts of the civil aviation sector, as well as promoting alignment with the policies and standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The committee studies the environmental aspects related to aviation operations, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aircraft noise and the airport environment. It also provides technical recommendations to member states to adopt best environmental practices and unify Arab positions in relevant international forums.
The meeting comes within the framework of joint action to enhance the sustainability of the civil aviation sector in Arab countries and to support regional initiatives aimed at achieving a balance between sector growth and environmental protection, in accordance with global trends and ICAO standards. — ONA