Press & News
EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project: ramping up for the future
December 2024
Over the last one-and-a-half year, the European Union and Japan have followed through on the spirit of cooperation that was established with the EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project (APP) in June 2023. Since then, the number of exchanges on subjects like Innovative Aerial Systems, sustainable aviation, safety management and many others have increased significantly.
With the attendance of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) of the European Commission as well as industry partners, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) organised a Closing Event in Tokyo on 4 December, to take stock of the achievements under this FPI-supported project. Exchanging expert insights in rapidly advancing technology fields is essential for authorities to develop policies and regulations that facilitate their deployment. Among many other activities, and taking the future use of autonomy in the industry as an example, this year JCAB and EASA organised visits to Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport and Frankfurt Airport to evaluate progress and discuss approaches to safely introducing autonomous vehicles in airports.
In addition to reviewing results from the activities that were organised under the APP, the European and Japanese representatives stated their positive expectations for continuing collaboration in the future. Together with contributors from the aviation industry, the two sides intend to use this platform in the coming years to continue tackling the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s aviation landscape.
EASA and JCAB Strengthen Aviation Partnership with Letter of Intent and Memorandum of Cooperation
June 2023
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) have taken a significant step forward in their collaboration by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) on the implementation of the EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project and a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). This landmark agreement aims to enhance safety, promote regulatory harmonisation, and foster mutual cooperation between the European Union and Japan in the aviation sector.
The LoI between EASA and JCAB signifies their joint commitment to developing an aviation partnership project, focused on areas such as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and Urban Air Mobility(UAM), Sustainable Aviation, Aviation Safety, Airworthiness, Flight Standards and Aerodrome Operations. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices, both organisations aim to strengthen the aviation industry's resilience and high standards.
The MoC on aviation safety emphasises the mutual interest of EASA and JCAB in fostering closer collaboration in the field of aviation safety, new technologies and environmental protection. The two agencies will exchange information and facilitate technical assistance programmes to enhance cooperation in these areas.
The signing of these agreements between EASA and JCAB reflects the growing importance of international cooperation in aviation. It marks the beginning of an exciting chapter of cooperation, with the potential to inspire further international collaborations in the field of aviation safety and environmental protection.
Press release Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan here: English / Japanese
Patrick Ky
Executive Director, EASA
Hirai Kazuhiko
Director General Aviation Safety and Security, JCAB