A Colombian will be the world’s highest civil aviation authority

Avocado Juan Carlos Salazar, current director of civil aeronautics in Colombia, was elected new Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations which aims to promote diplomatic channels and cooperation in air transport between member countries.

In a vote that took place this Thursday at the Council of the Organization, Salazar obtained 24 votes, out of 36 in total, which earned him the election, against four other candidates from Brazil, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Tunisia. . The Colombian will begin his duties on August 1, replacing Dr Fang Liu, in office since 2015.

Salazar, who has been running Aerocivil since May 2018, studied law at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellín; Later, he studied specializations in commercial law, tax law and a master’s degree in aeronautical and space law from McGill University in Canada. In addition, he attended the Harvard School of Government, where he studied for a Masters in Public Administration.

The official has 26 years of experience in the sector. He began his career as General Secretary and General Counsel of Tampa Airlines, served as General Manager of Air Transport at the Department of Transportation, Head of the Air Transport Bureau and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Civil Aeronautics and In early 2018, he was an Air Transport Advisor to the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates (GCAA) in Dubai.

Salazar, who is an expert in international aviation negotiations and public policy management, speaks Spanish, English, French and Arabic. In Aerocivil, which ICAO qualifies as an aeronautical organization “Complex”He was responsible for 3,100 employees, most of whom are affiliated with 12 unions. In addition, he is in charge of an airport network which has 72 key terminals in Latin American air communications.

“I assume this responsibility as Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization of ICAO with pride, because it is the first time that a Colombian has assumed this dignity and with responsibility, because our aim is to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation across the world at a time of great challenges amid the pandemic we all face ”, said Juan Carlos Salazar.

The appointment as head of the world’s largest aviation authority could bring unexpected benefits to Argentina. Is that Paola Tamburelli, current national administrator of civil aviation ANAC, maintains close ties with Salazar, a product of work sharing within ICAO itself for many years.

On the other hand, the president Ivan Duque and his Minister of Transport congratulated Salazar for his feat, unprecedented for a Colombian. “We are proud of the appointment of Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez, new Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In August, for the first time, a Colombian will assume this dignity and leave the name of our country high ”, Duque spoke.

Ángela María Orozco, MinTransporte, highlighted the successful management of the Antioqueño within the Colombian Air Authority. “It has always stood out for its great commitment to the aeronautics sector and for having successfully developed and grown. In recent times, from his position at Aerocivil, he has successfully led the process of reactivating air transport after the pandemic, which also shows his determination and ability to work. We appreciate your delivery and we are convinced that the country is represented in the best way in this important entity “, he praised.

According to the Aerocivil spokesperson, it is not yet clear when he will have to step down as director of the Colombian administrative unit, but it must be before his inauguration in August. The organization said this is a decision President Duque will have to make.

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