A United Nations specialized agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees and encourages the development of international civil aviation. ICAO is the largest and most important organization involved with aviation safety, and its technical standards, legal regulations, and operating procedures have been essential in the development of international commercial aviation.

In the first history of this important UN body, David MacKenzie touches on issues ranging from the Cold War to economic regulation and development assistance. With the rise of aviation...