Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, addressed the media regarding 2^nd 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 the ongoing development of new greenfield airports and the progressive policies like UDAN that encourage regional air connectivity are setting India on a path of sustained growth.

The 2^nd 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 organized 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 to also play a pivotal role in the region’s aviation ecosystem,” said Shri Naidu.

The Minister said that this Ministerial conference would address the immediate challenges and long-term growth prospects for Aviation Industry in 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 traveling annually.

Highlighting the importance of the conference, Shri 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 wise range of important subjects like Airspace Optimization, Cyber Security, Net Zero Carbon Emission, there would also be drone shows to showcase India’s innovation might and cultural programs as well to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage with the spirit of Vasudev Kutumbhakam.”

Recalling the 80th anniversary of ICAO & Chicago Convention the minister said “It is an honour for the country that would be celebrated here in India as part of this conference, reflecting India’s position on the global aviation map.” He emphasized 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 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 Island, Tonga, and Vietnam, President of ICAO along with Heads of Organizations 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, Nigeria. He also welcomes Director Generals & Dy. Director Generals and equivalent of Civil Aviation Authority - 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, Tonga coming over for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference.

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

Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, and Senior Officials from Ministry of Civil Aviation were also present for the briefing.

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SK

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