A global ethics code is among the topics that John Douglass, president and CEO of the U.S. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), will be discussing this week with his counterparts from the Brazilian, Canadian, European Union and Japanese trade associations.

It is standard practice for the world’s aerospace and defense associations to meet during the Farnborough and Paris airshows. This year the proceedings are coordinated by François Gayet, secretary general of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD). Other topics on the agenda include matters such as airport security that require international cooperation if the industry is to operate efficiently.

“We all know that good ethics make good business,” Douglass said. “All our member companies are very focused on following the rules in their home countries. Now we are looking for common threads that we can all promote.”

Ethical rules are generally similar around the globe, Douglass said, and all take a stand against bribery, for example. He expects the discussions started this week to be followed up at another meeting later this year.

Around 100 of the AIA’s 300 members are exhibiting here this week. Most are appearing under their own steam, but 14 of the smaller companies are grouped under the AIA banner (Hall 3 Stand B25). The AIA is also responsible for supporting the U.S. Department of Defense aircraft participating in the show.