CONTEST’ing Chicago origins and reflections: lest we forget!

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Chicago Convention; recognising this, this paper focuses on the origins and incentives behind the Chicago Convention. The convention identifies the role of international civil aviation as a means to 'preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world'. Yet, it is acknowledged that 'its abuse can become a threat to the general security'. Commentary is given on the historical roots of air law and the challenges faced by aviation as a result of such abuse. Also considered is the continuous battle between national sovereignty, security, trade and technological developments. The paper identifies contemporary and future security threats, questioning how prepared is the industry and how much has been learnt from historical events. It is concluded that the aviation framework remains fragmented and that without further uniformity there will remain unnecessary vulnerability and risk 'to peoples of the world'.