ICAO and Amadeus Join Forces to Enhance Global Aviation Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability – You Need to Know

Published on January 8, 2026

Amadeus, a leader in travel technology, has joined forces with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” (NCLB) initiative. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the digital transformation of air transport systems worldwide, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in global aviation.

The partnership focuses on helping ICAO Member States adopt advanced digital technologies, accelerating their journey toward modernization. This initiative is in line with ICAO’s broader goal of ensuring that all countries, regardless of their resources, have access to the latest tools and solutions for improving air travel operations. By collaborating with Amadeus, ICAO aims to fast-track the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that benefit both the aviation sector and the broader global economy.

Under the terms of the MoU, Amadeus will contribute its vast technical expertise and industry experience to support ICAO’s efforts. The company will share its knowledge of travel technology, digital identity solutions, biometrics, and data management, areas that have become essential for the modernization of air transport systems. These innovations are increasingly vital for optimizing airport processes, enhancing passenger experiences, and bolstering security protocols.

A key element of the collaboration is its focus on capacity-building and technical assistance to help states implement ICAO standards and specifications effectively. The partnership will provide training programs for aviation professionals, aimed at developing the technical and regulatory skills necessary to integrate digital identity and biometric technologies into international travel systems. These programs will feature best practices and real-world examples, enabling countries to accelerate their digital transformation efforts.

Amadeus and ICAO are also working to promote the interoperability of biometric systems across borders, in line with ICAO’s Doc 9303 and the TRIP Roadmap. This focus on creating seamless international biometric systems is expected to significantly improve border control processes, making them more efficient while maintaining high security standards. By facilitating the exchange of biometric data between countries, this initiative will help streamline global air travel, allowing for smoother passenger flows and faster processing times at airports.

This collaboration is set to benefit a wide range of stakeholders in the aviation industry, from governments and border control agencies to airlines and passengers. By driving the adoption of digital identity technologies, Amadeus and ICAO aim to create a more secure, sustainable, and efficient global air transport ecosystem. Furthermore, the partnership will contribute to the realization of the economic and social benefits that come with increased air travel, which plays a crucial role in global trade, tourism, and connectivity.

The timeline for the collaboration is already taking shape, with the first NCLB deliverables expected to be rolled out in the first half of 2026. This roadmap will outline specific goals and milestones for advancing the digital transformation of air travel systems worldwide, with a strong emphasis on helping developing nations close the digital divide in aviation.

In conclusion, the partnership between Amadeus and ICAO is a significant step forward in achieving ICAO’s No Country Left Behind objective. By leveraging Amadeus’ expertise in travel technology and ICAO’s global reach, the collaboration promises to accelerate the modernization of international air transport systems, creating a more efficient, sustainable, and secure future for air travel across the world.

“The digitalization of identity documentation and management is essential to the sustainability of air transport’s expansion and transformation. ICAO’s collaboration with Amadeus will help enable our member states’ effective adoption of these new technologies, in line with our leadership towards our vision of safe and sustainable air transport for all by 2050.” Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General, International Civil Aviation Organization

“As the industry applies powerful technologies that improve the experience of travel, we need global co‑ordination and collaboration more than ever before. ICAO’s work to set standards, and to ensure every country has the knowledge and capabilities to effectively apply those standards, is fundamental to making travel better for everyone, everywhere. We at Amadeus are very proud to support ICAO’s mission.” Rudy Daniello, Executive Vice President, AirOps, Amadeus