Asia-Pacific Commits to ICAO Aviation Goals

Thirty-five Asia-Pacific nations have pledged to accelerate progress on aviation safety, sustainability, and connectivity, aligning with ICAO’s 2026–2050 Strategic Plan. The commitments were made during the 60th Conference of Asia Pacific Directors General of Civil Aviation, hosted in Tokyo by Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the urgency of preparing for a projected doubling of air traffic by 2043. Delegates adopted 59 action items that support ICAO’s long-term goals, including eliminating fatalities, achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and expanding access to safe and connected air transport.

Safety initiatives were a key focus, with States committing to strengthen oversight under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. Priorities include improving lithium battery transport standards, enhancing runway safety, expanding accident investigation capabilities, and addressing GNSS interference. Civil-military coordination and updated aerodrome standards were also endorsed.

Environmental sustainability featured prominently, with strong backing for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Delegates pledged to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel adoption and develop climate-resilient airport infrastructure. The Japanese-backed FINVEST Hub initiative, linking SAF projects with financing opportunities, gained momentum as part of the net-zero strategy.

Innovation was another highlight, with discussions on integrating artificial intelligence into air traffic management and preparing safety frameworks for Advanced Air Mobility systems. States also endorsed cybersecurity standards for communications, navigation, and surveillance systems.

The conference concluded with new partnerships, including Malaysia’s $500,000 commitment to the Asia-Pacific Capacity Development Initiative. The next DGCA conference will be hosted in Malaysia in 2026 under the theme “Smart Skies.”

Asia-Pacific Commits to ICAO Aviation Goals

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