The task force set up in early August by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to assess risks to aircraft operating in conflict zones has defined a work program with two immediate objectives. The task force, which was set up in the wake of the apparent shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine on July 17, includes industry representation by the International Air Transport Association, the Flight Safety Foundation and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations.

The group’s first pilot project, agreed at an August 26 meeting in Montreal, will explore how the Notice to Airmen system already in place between ICAO states and operators could be better used to share urgent and critical conflict-zone risk information. The second will investigate a new centralized system for the prompt sharing of conflict-zone risk information.

“These recommendations will help ensure the safety of civilian passengers and crew, no matter what airline they are flying on or where they are flying,” said task force chairman David McMillan.

ICAO will deliver the task force’s preliminary findings to the 203rd Session of the ICAO Council in October.