CANSO’s Economics and Charges Workgroup

The Economics and Charges Workgroup (EACWG) is one of CANSO’s newest workgroups. Formed in 2023 to provide a forum to share best practice on charging methodologies and to undertake studies on evolving economic factors affecting the sector, the group has made its views felt at the ICAO ANS Economics Panel (ANSEP).

Last year many of its recommendations made it into Edition 10 of ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082). Included in the update is an expansion on the definitions of ICAO’s charging principles: non-discrimination, cost-relatedness, transparency, and consultation with users.

The workgroup is currently developing considerations for charging of new vehicle types, including drones, as well as examining options for charging of commercial space launches. This guidance will be presented to ANSEP with the intention of being added to a future update of the ICAO Manual on ANS Economics (Doc 9161).

Shifting trends in the industry, including new fleet types, new operations and a growing use of both lower and upper altitudes is driving change in our operations, but must also be reflected in updated charging methodologies to ensure appropriate funding of infrastructure.

The Economics and Charges Workgroup is a place where those impacts can be discussed and Members can share experience and challenges. Additional activities including economic studies and benchmarking are in the workgroup’s plans. If you are interested in joining the EACWG please contact strategy@canso.org