The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation on aviation safety as the industry adapts to new technologies and operational challenges.
The pledge was announced during the 2026 FAA-EASA International Safety Conference, held in Chantilly, Virginia, from 16 to 18 June. The event brought together around 400 representatives from regulators, airlines, manufacturers and industry associations.
Speaking at the conference, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the aviation sector was entering a period of significant innovation and stressed the importance of international collaboration to ensure safety remains at the forefront of development.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said:This is one of the most innovative moments in aviation, not just for America but also for our international partners. Sharing information and fostering conversations about safety allow us to strengthen our international partnerships and ensure aviation systems evolve safely and efficiently.
EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet also highlighted the need for regulatory authorities to work closely together as aviation technologies continue to evolve. He said cooperation between the two agencies would help support innovation while maintaining public confidence in air transport.
Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA said:As aviation evolves at an unprecedented pace, strong cooperation between regulators is essential to maintain the highest level of safety. By working together, sharing expertise, and aligning our approaches, EASA and the FAA can support innovation while preserving public confidence in aviation.
Held under the theme “Safety Together: Innovation, Integration and Trust,” the conference focused on strengthening global regulatory partnerships and preparing for future developments across the aviation sector.
As part of the renewed commitment, the FAA and EASA agreed to increase cooperation at all organisational levels under the framework of the US-European Union Aviation Safety Agreement. The agencies also pledged to strengthen information sharing on safety oversight and promote the exchange of best practices.
Both organisations committed to advancing the use of Safety Management Systems (SMS), with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and proactive risk management. They also agreed to expand the sharing of operational data to support future regulatory development.
The two regulators intend to work together on streamlining approval processes for emerging aviation technologies and operations, with the aim of aligning certification pathways where possible.
Other areas identified for collaboration include the integration of automated flight deck technologies, the wider use of portable electronic devices in cockpits, and the modernisation of pilot training and flight simulation capabilities to reflect increasingly automated operating environments.
The agreement also addresses emerging safety risks, including cyber threats, operations in conflict zones, GPS and GNSS interference, and the impact of extreme weather. Both agencies said they would improve coordination and information sharing in these areas.
In addition, the FAA and EASA pledged to support global aviation safety initiatives through cooperation with other regulatory authorities and international organisations.
Senior leaders from both agencies will meet regularly to review progress, identify new priorities and monitor implementation of the commitments outlined in the pledge.
The FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference is held annually, with hosting duties alternating between the two organisations. The 2027 conference is scheduled to take place in the German city of Cologne from 22 to 24 June.
