For the first time in over four decades, Monaco has welcomed a high-profile official from the International Civil Aviation Organisation: Nicolas Rallo, Regional Director for the Europe-North Atlantic Region. Rallo’s trip to the Principality underscores its rising influence in the aviation sector, with discussions focusing on sustainable aviation, the future of drones, and Monaco’s potential as a pioneer in low-carbon emission air travel.
The ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that sets global standards and regulations for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection. Since its establishment in 1944, 193 states have become members, with the goal of assisting in the development of policies, coordinating international air navigation and supporting sustainable growth in the aviation sector.
Since Monaco’s accession to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 1980, no regional director had ever visited the Principality, making the presence of Nicolas Rallo, Regional Director for the Europe-North Atlantic Region, on 20th and 21st March a historic event.
Rallo’s visit aimed to explore how Monaco, known for its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, is positioning itself at the forefront of the aviation industry’s low-carbon transition.
Welcomed by Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister of Public Works, the Environment, and Urban Planning, Rallo took part in an interministerial meeting that brought together key representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Department of the Interior and Public Security, and other government entities.
The discussions delved into a range of topics, from the regulation of drone activity to the development of synergies that could establish Monaco as a leader in sustainable aviation. Strengthening legal frameworks to ensure a safer airspace was also high on the agenda.
Beyond the meeting rooms, Rallo’s visit extended to Monaco’s Heliport, where he gained firsthand insight into the Principality’s unique aviation infrastructure. He met with the dedicated professionals of the Civil Aviation Authority and industry operators, who explained Monaco’s strategic efforts to modernise and streamline its aviation sector.
This inaugural visit not only reinforced Monaco’s commitment to global aviation standards but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations that could see the Principality emerge as a model for sustainable and innovative air transport in the region.
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Photos credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department