Amadeus Partners with ICAO to Advance Global Aviation Through the “No Country Left Behind” Initiative

Amadeus has officially partnered with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) by signing a memorandum of understanding to bolster the ICAO’s ambitious ‘No Country Left Behind’ (NCLB) initiative.

This strategic alliance aims to empower nations worldwide by accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, ultimately boosting the efficiency, security, and environmental sustainability of global air transport networks.

Breaking Travel News reports that through this joint effort, ICAO Member States will gain vital support in navigating their digital evolution, unlocking faster access to the profound social and economic advantages that seamless air connectivity delivers.

As stated in the agreement, Amadeus will provide its expertise, share information, and promote innovative projects in aviation and travel while closely following ICAO’s main strategies, including the Traveller Identification Program (TRIP) framework and the standards in Doc 9303.

Drawing on its deep expertise in travel technology solutions, including digital identity systems, biometric authentication, and advanced data analytics, Amadeus will play a pivotal role in modernising air transport infrastructure, which is becoming indispensable for the industry’s future.

Key focus areas of this collaboration include: delivering capacity-building programs and hands-on technical support to help nations implement ICAO’s rigorous standards and guidelines more effectively; advancing cross-border interoperability for biometric systems in full compliance with ICAO Doc 9303 and the TRIP Roadmap to streamline international travel; offering specialised training on the technical and regulatory dimensions of digital identity and biometrics in the travel sector; and featuring real-world best practices and innovative examples from tech-driven aviation and border management to expedite progress among ICAO members.

Both organisations are now collaboratively mapping out a detailed timeline and action plan to steer the partnership, with the first tangible NCLB outcomes anticipated in the early months of 2026.

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Nigeria’s aviation sector is currently in a dynamic phase of digital transformation, marked by significant investments in modernisation and infrastructure upgrades as of early 2026. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been at the forefront, launching initiatives such as the EMPIC platform, a fully digital system for streamlining pilot licensing, medical certifications, and regulatory processes, with a full rollout scheduled for April 2026. 

This builds on broader reforms under the government’s aviation roadmap, which prioritised liberalisation, safety enhancements, and public-private partnerships to position Nigeria as a West African aviation hub. Key developments include airport expansions in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, incorporating smart technologies such as AI-driven air traffic management, blockchain for operational transparency, and big data analytics for efficiency. 

Despite challenges such as high operational costs, macroeconomic pressures, and the need for post-installation support, the sector shows resilience: passenger traffic is rebounding, with projections of 50 million annual passengers by 2030. Collaborations with global players are accelerating the adoption of biometrics, digital identity, and sustainable practices, including potential ties to initiatives like ICAO’s NCLB. 

For instance, consumer protection portals and zero-debt strategies for airlines are fostering transparency and reliability. Overall, while hurdles like resource allocation persist, Nigeria’s push toward a digitally enabled aviation ecosystem is gaining momentum, supported by a projected $18.3 billion digital economy by 2026, signalling a shift from stability to innovation-driven growth.

Digitalising aviation, as shown by partnerships like Amadeus-ICAO’s NCLB initiative, transforms Africa’s tourism sector by enhancing connectivity, reducing barriers, and improving travellers’ experiences. 

In Africa, broadly, aviation supports millions of jobs and contributes significantly to GDP (e.g., via tourism inflows estimated at billions annually), so adopting advanced technologies like biometrics and digital identities can streamline border crossings, minimise delays, and promote interoperability across countries. 

This could boost inbound tourism by making remote or underserved destinations more accessible, such as ecotourism sites in East Africa or cultural hubs in West Africa, drawing international visitors through efficient, contactless processes that align with post-pandemic preferences for safety and speed. Outbound tourism would also benefit, as Africans gain easier access to global markets, fostering cultural exchanges and business travel. However, challenges such as uneven infrastructure in less developed nations could widen disparities unless NCLB-style capacity-building bridges the gaps.

In Nigeria specifically, where tourism contributes around 0.7% to GDP and supports over 200,000 jobs (including aviation-enabled roles), digital aviation upgrades could supercharge both inbound and outbound sectors. 

Inbound tourism stands to benefit from smoother entry at modernised airports, reduced wait times via biometrics, and a greater appeal to pilgrims, business travellers, and leisure seekers at sites such as Lagos’ beaches or Abuja’s landmarks. This could increase foreign exchange earnings from international tourists from the current $760 million annually. Enhanced safety and efficiency could elevate Nigeria’s appeal as a regional gateway, stimulating local economies through higher demand for hotels, tours, and transport. 

Outbound digital systems would simplify visa and booking processes for Nigerians travelling abroad, encouraging more international trips and remittance flows. 

However, to achieve these benefits, we need to tackle local problems like expensive flight tickets and complicated rules; if we do this well, it could greatly boost tourism income, create jobs, and connect Nigeria more closely with Africa’s single air transport market, leading to lasting economic growth.

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FAQs 

1. What is the ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative?

The NCLB initiative is ICAO’s global effort to ensure all Member States can adopt advanced aviation standards and technologies, promoting equitable access to safe, efficient air transport and its economic benefits.

2. How does the Amadeus-ICAO partnership benefit Nigeria’s aviation sector?

It provides technical expertise in biometrics, digital identities, and data management, helping Nigeria accelerate its digital transformation, align with global standards, and enhance airport operations amid ongoing modernisation efforts, such as the EMPIC platform.

3. What impact could this have on inbound tourism to Nigeria? 

By streamlining entry processes with biometrics and reducing delays, it could attract more international visitors, boosting revenue from sites like cultural landmarks and beaches, potentially increasing annual tourist spending by millions.

4. How might aviation digitalisation affect outbound tourism from Africa?

It simplifies travel planning, bookings, and border crossings, making international trips more accessible and affordable for Africans, fostering cultural exchanges and supporting economic ties through easier global connectivity.

5. When can we expect the first outcomes from this collaboration?

Initial deliverables under the NCLB partnership are slated for the first half of 2026, with a detailed roadmap currently in development to guide implementation.