Photo: Shutterstock The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening global aviation safety through closer cooperation, greater transparency, and increased information sharing as the industry enters a period of rapid technological transformation.
The renewed pledge was announced during the 2026 FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference, held in Chantilly, Virginia, where regulators, airlines, manufacturers, and industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of aviation under the theme "Safety Together: Innovation, Integration and Trust."
"This is one of the most innovative moments in aviation, not just for America but also for our international partners," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. "Sharing information and fostering conversations about safety allow us to strengthen our international partnerships and ensure aviation systems evolve safely and efficiently."
Photo: ShutterstockEASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet emphasized the importance of international cooperation as new technologies reshape the sector.
"As aviation evolves at an unprecedented pace, strong cooperation between regulators is essential to maintain the highest level of safety," Guillermet said. "By working together, sharing expertise, and aligning our approaches, EASA and the FAA can support innovation while preserving public confidence in aviation."
During the three-day conference, both agencies outlined a series of commitments aimed at preparing the industry for future challenges while maintaining high safety standards.
The FAA and EASA pledged to strengthen cooperation across all organizational levels under the U.S.-European Union Aviation Safety Agreement and expand information sharing on safety oversight and best practices.
The regulators also agreed to advance Safety Management Systems (SMS) through more proactive, data-driven decision-making and increase collaboration on operational data to support future rulemaking.
A major focus of the discussions was the safe integration of emerging aviation technologies. The agencies committed to streamlining approval processes and harmonizing certification pathways for advanced aircraft and operations, while accelerating the integration of automated flight deck technologies designed to enhance crew performance and improve safety.
The agreement also includes efforts to modernize pilot training and simulator capabilities, expand the use of portable electronic devices in cockpits, and improve coordination on emerging threats such as cyberattacks, conflict zones, GPS and GNSS interference, and extreme weather events.
Both agencies said their executive leadership teams will meet regularly to review progress, identify new priorities, and monitor implementation of the commitments outlined during the conference.
The annual FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference attracts approximately 400 senior aviation professionals from regulatory authorities, airlines, manufacturers, and industry associations worldwide. The 2027 edition of the event is scheduled to take place in Cologne, Germany, from June 22 to 24.