Overview

• IATA formally presented a plan at the Montreal gathering to raise the multipilot commercial pilot age limit from 65 to 67.
• Member states were divided, with New Zealand and Japan among supporters and India, China, Iran, and Colombia warning about health, fatigue, and cognitive risks.
• The ICAO Secretariat and Commission said science on age-related safety effects remains uncertain and urged data generation and stronger, harmonized medical oversight.
• No binding decision was taken at the assembly, where only the 193 member states can vote and observer groups such as IATA and IFALPA do not vote.
• In the U.S., Senator Ted Cruz urged President Trump to support the change, ALPA reiterated opposition, and Congress previously rejected a domestic increase in 2024.