New Delhi: Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, addressed the media regarding the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation 2024, today at Rajeev Gandhi Bhawan, New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, the Aviation Minister said, “This conference comes at a pivotal time when India's aviation industry is experiencing a significant transformation.” He added that as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, India is positioning itself to become a major hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, cargo operations, and overall regional aviation. He also highlighted that the ongoing development of new greenfield airports and progressive policies like UDAN, which encourage regional air connectivity, are setting India on a path of sustained growth.

The 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is scheduled to be held from 11th to 12th September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India. The event is co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The first Ministerial Conference of the Asia-Pacific region was organised in 2018 in Beijing, China. During the first conference, India volunteered to host the second conference in 2020; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was postponed.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of initiatives that are helping to transform air travel in the Asia-Pacific region. Our vision is not only to fuel the growth of Indian civil aviation but also to play a pivotal role in the region’s aviation ecosystem,” said Naidu.

The Minister said that this Ministerial conference would address the immediate challenges and long-term growth prospects for the aviation industry in the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to some of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. The Minister informed that by 2035, the region is expected to account for over 40% of global air traffic, with nearly 3.5 billion passengers travelling annually.

Highlighting the importance of the conference, Naidu said, “It will focus on unlocking this potential, building robust partnerships, and addressing critical challenges such as infrastructure development, market gaps, sustainability, and workforce shortages. Along with symposiums and seminars on a wide range of important subjects like Airspace Optimisation, Cyber Security, Net Zero Carbon Emission, there will also be drone shows to showcase India’s innovation might and cultural programmes to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage with the spirit of Vasudev Kutumbhakam.”

Recalling the 80th anniversary of ICAO & the Chicago Convention, the minister said, “It is an honour for the country that will be celebrated here in India as part of this conference, reflecting India’s position on the global aviation map.” He emphasised that the conference offers an opportunity to foster greater cooperation between the public and private sectors, airlines, regulatory bodies, and industry experts across the Asia-Pacific. By working together, shared challenges can be addressed, and the full potential of the region’s aviation sector can be unlocked.

Extending a heartfelt welcome to all the delegates from countries such as Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Japan, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, Palau, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vietnam, President of ICAO along with heads of organisations such as the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA), European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and ICAO Council Representatives - Australia, Brazil, China, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Nigeria. He also welcomed Director Generals & Deputy Director Generals and equivalents of Civil Aviation Authorities from Cambodia, China, China (Hong Kong), China (Macao), Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tonga, attending the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference.

According to Naidu, this conference will facilitate a valuable exchange of ideas and foster new partnerships that will strengthen the collective commitment to advancing civil aviation, not only within respective nations but throughout the entire Asia-Pacific region. He also expressed optimism that shared aspirations and priorities would lead to the adoption of the ‘Delhi Declaration,’ which would address commitments towards air safety, air navigation, security, and sustainability in the civil aviation sector, serving as a roadmap for elevating aviation in the region to new heights.

Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, and senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation were also present for the briefing. /BI