ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East-airsight Safety Webinar draws strong industry engagement

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), in partnership with leading aviation consultancy airsight, successfully co-hosted a Safety Webinar on ICAO Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Requirements. 

The webinar saw strong turnout of over 100 industry stakeholders, which also included the ICAO MID Regional Officer AGA, highlighting the growing interest in the latest updates to ICAO’s OLS framework, a critical element of airport safety management.

Ms. Badriyah Noordin, Senior Manager, Safety at ACI APAC & MID, and Mr. Malte Karger, Director of Business Development at airsight and member of the ICAO Obstacle Limitation Surface Task Force (OLSTF), led the session. They provided an in-depth look into the upcoming changes to Annex 14, Volume I, including new Aeroplane Design Groups (ADG) and the comprehensive revision of obstacle-free and evaluation surfaces (OFS/OES).

The session offered practical insights into the implications for regulators and airport operators, emphasising the importance of aeronautical studies in maintaining compliance with international safety standards.

Our ongoing efforts in the area of safety, reaffirms our commitment to promoting strong safety culture in the region. 
 
Background of ICAO Obstacle Limitation Surface Task Force (OLSTF)
Since 2015, the ICAO Obstacle Limitation Surface Task Force (OLSTF) has been reviewing the obstacle limitation requirements around aerodromes. This review resulted in two major upcoming changes in chapter 4 of ICAO Annex 14 Vol. 1 and related ICAO documents; the introduction of new Aeroplane Design Groups (ADG) as well as completely revised obstacle limitation surfaces and requirements. 
On 4 August 2025, these new requirements have become effective, with an applicability date of 21 November 2030. This represents a major change for regulators, aerodromes, and other stakeholders. Therefore, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, supported by airsight, wants to explain its members and all interested stakeholders about the changes.