The International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations entity hosted by Canada and based in Montreal, is marking its 75^th year since its creation in 1944. As part of the commemorations, ICAO, with the support of Transport Canada, is holding three competitions for children and adults from around the world.

Elementary-school children (ages six to 12) are invited to submit ideas for new piloted or unmanned aircraft, the size and shape of which is limited only by the participant’s imagination. The prize in this category is $1,000 (US).

High school-aged children (ages 13 to 17) are invited to submit the same ideas as for the younger participants, or proposals for new types of operations, including a description of how their idea or ideas can improve or expand upon the way powered flight serves society today. The prize in this category is $2,000 (US).

The third category is open to adults 18 years old and older. Referred to as the Prototypes Competition, the judges are soliciting what they refer to as ‘maturely thought-out’ 3D renderings using still images or video of either new types of aircraft or new types of operations.  A business case summary must also be included in the submission. The winner in this category will be awarded $5,000 (US), as well as a trip to Montreal to accept their award.

“Canada is proud of its long-standing relationship with ICAO as host state, and as an active member of the ICAO council,” said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport. “Throughout 2019, we join ICAO and its other member states in celebrating flight and the crucial importance of air connectivity worldwide. On this special milestone of its 75^th anniversary, I am pleased to support ICAO’s Aviation Innovation Competitions and I encourage all young Canadians to apply.”

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