Eleven international organizations, university faculties offering internationally recognized specialized programs, particularly in aviation management and aviation law, a cutting-edge aerospace industry – these are just some of the city’s unrivalled assets that reinforces Montréal’s status as an “international civil aviation capital.”

The oldest IO in Montréal, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), established its headquarters in the city when it was created in 1945. This specialized United Nations agency now boasts 189 Member States. The arrival of ICAO had an almost immediate ripple effect, and IATA, a non-governmental IO (INGO) that currently represents some 260 airlines in 136 countries, wasted no time in establishing its head office here. In 1987, SITA, an INGO in the information and communications technology sector, joined the other two INGOs, and together the three became the institutional pillars of the aviation sector in Montréal. Ever since, the metropolis has been at the vanguard in matters relating to regulations, safety standards and industry efficiency in aviation.

The exponential growth experienced by the aviation industry over the last several decades has contributed to the emergence of several specialized new IOs and the IO community in Montréal has increased in size as a result. But besides their growing number – three new IOs opened offices in Montréal in 2005-2006 -- it’s their diversity that has created an unparalleled synergy. Together, they represent States, airline companies, airports, air traffic controllers, private aviation and business clubs, offer training programs and manage telecommunication systems. With such a critical mass in the aviation sector, other actors are sure to settle in Montréal…

Günther Matschnigg
Senior Vice-President – Safety, Operations and Infrastructure, IATA