The Asia Pacific region is poised for unprecedented aviation expansion, and leaders have gathered to ensure this growth unfolds safely and sustainably.

The 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation of the Asia Pacific Region, held in Cebu, brought together 361 aviation leaders to shape the region’s aviation future through 2050.

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano emphasized the critical role of aviation in regional economies, stating, “For some States, aviation and tourism contribute up to 40% of the national Gross Domestic Product.

Many island and landlocked States depend heavily on air transport to connect to the wider world.”

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar underscored the organization’s mission, noting, “Our aim is to create an inclusive global aviation system that drives sustained economic growth for all Member States, regardless of their current level of aviation development.”

A key milestone celebrated during the conference was the establishment of an ICAO liaison office in Fiji, which will aid small island developing States in implementing international standards and leveraging aviation for sustainable development.

Environmental Action at the Forefront

The conference reaffirmed commitments to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in international aviation by 2050.

Twenty-four Asia Pacific states, representing 83% of the region’s international flights, are already tracking emissions through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) emerged as a critical strategy.

The conference endorsed ICAO’s Global Framework for SAF and initiatives like the Finvest Hub, which matches aviation decarbonization projects with investors and explores innovative funding mechanisms. Salazar highlighted the challenges, stating, “Net zero emissions will require a fundamental transformation across technology, operations, partnerships, and financing, extending beyond aviation to the energy and finance industries.”

Addressing Safety and Efficiency Challenges

As air traffic grows, the region faces pressing safety and efficiency challenges. Current safety oversight scores remain below global averages, prompting renewed commitments to improvement. ICAO’s President Sciacchitano called for better collaboration between civil and military operations to optimize airspace use and enhance air traffic management systems.

Technological advancements were another focal point. Delegates urged acceleration in upgrading digital aeronautical information systems and committed to tackling Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Frequency Interference.

Efforts to integrate drone operations and explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in aviation were also discussed.

Promoting Inclusivity in Aviation

Inclusivity was a central theme, with leaders highlighting gender equality as pivotal to the aviation sector’s future. While progress has been made in promoting women and girls in aviation, significant underrepresentation persists in technical and leadership roles. The conference urged States and organizations to adopt policies fostering gender equality and synchronize efforts to achieve ICAO’s strategic goals.

“Building an inclusive aviation workforce isn’t just about equality – it’s about securing our industry’s future competitiveness and innovation,” Salazar stated.

Looking Ahead

The conference included critical bilateral and multilateral meetings, including donor dialogues and discussions with Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) on regulatory capacity development.

Japan is set to host the 2025 conference in Sendai, where the focus will be on leveraging aviation to enhance economic prosperity while maintaining environmental sustainability. This ongoing collaboration underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive aviation growth.

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