International Civil Aviation Organization

Aviation

Definition

A United Nations specialized agency that establishes the standards and recommended practices (SARPs) governing international civil aviation. ICAO sets policies on aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection. ICAO assigns unique 4-letter airport codes (e.g., ZSPD for Shanghai Pudong) and 3-letter airline designators. While IATA creates industry standards, ICAO creates the regulatory framework that governments adopt into national law.

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Dangerous Goods DG IATA DGR Tilt Indicator GxP SSR Code Re-Export Overflight Permit Belly Cargo
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