2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation set for Sept 11-12 in Delhi

By 2035, Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for over 40% of global air traffic, with nearly 3.5 billion passengers traveling annually.

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 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.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, shared, “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.

“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 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.

Naidu also added “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, 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.”

According to 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.