Asia-Pacific accelerates progress towards ICAO’s safety, sustainability, and connectivity goals

Thirty-five countries pledged to advance ICAO's strategic initiatives for air transport across the Asia-Pacific region at the 60th Conference of Asia Pacific Directors General of Civil Aviation, following discussions on safety, sustainability, and capacity-building goals.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar led efforts to align aviation policies with the organization's 2026-2050 Strategic Plan, emphasizing the urgency of preparing for a doubling in air traffic by 2043. The five-day gathering produced 59 action items supporting progress under the plan, which calls for the elimination of fatalities, a reduction in carbon emissions to net zero, and the expansion of access to a connected air transport system.

More than 400 participants from 35 States and 12 international organizations attended the conference, hosted by Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau. The conference was officially launched by His Excellency Mr. Nakano Hiromasa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. Ms. Nakayama Rieko, Director General for International Aviation of the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), chaired the event and emphasized the importance of addressing aviation safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Mr. Salazar’s advocacy throughout the event was supported by ICAO’s Director of the Capacity Building and Implementation Bureau, Mr. Jorge Vargas, the Director of the Air Navigation Bureau, Ms. Michele Merkle, and the organization’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, Mr. Tao Ma.

Enhancing safety implementation

The Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) was reinforced by commitments to promote data sharing through the Regional Aviation Safety Group (RASG) and by greater standardization of oversight procedures. The RASG itself also gained enhanced participation pledges from attending States. These combined commitments will help address safety challenges in the region, which are critical given that its USOAP effective implementation score currently stands at 67 percent.

Delegates also endorsed priorities for lithium battery transport oversight, runway safety improvements and enhanced accident investigation capabilities. States agreed to bolster civil-military coordination initiatives and implement updated aerodrome standards.

Participants also acknowledged the growing threat of GNSS interference and endorsed mitigation strategies to safeguard navigation systems.

Environmental leadership

Delegates reinforced their backing for ICAO’s long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including through strong continued endorsement of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, reiterating their agreement to preserve CORSIA as the sole global market-based measure for emissions reduction.

Partners also pledged to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel deployment and develop climate-resilient airport infrastructure, directly accelerating progress towards the LTAG.

The FINVEST Hub initiative gained significant momentum through Japanese government and industry backing. The initiative will connect sustainable aviation fuel projects with financing opportunities, addressing investment needs to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Focus on innovation

Aviation leaders addressed integrating artificial intelligence into operations and air traffic management systems. Secretary General Salazar emphasized developing consistent safety standards across the region, particularly for emerging technologies like Advanced Air Mobility systems. Regional Director Tao Ma highlighted updates to the Global Air Navigation Plan, incorporating AI developments and addressing emerging technologies.

The System Wide Information Management initiative received enhanced endorsement, along with agreements to address Global Navigation Satellite System interference affecting civil aviation operations. 

Cybersecurity discussions reinforced standards for protecting aviation systems, with States agreeing to implement the cybersecurity framework for communications, navigation and surveillance systems.

New strategic partnerships

Aviation authorities formalized multiple partnerships during the gathering. 

Malaysia announced a $500,000 contribution to the Asia-Pacific Capacity Development Initiative, demonstrating significant leadership on capacity building. Officials also signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority for technical assistance to Pacific Small Island Developing States, advancing the "No Country Left Behind" initiative and the Aviation Safety Implementation Assistance Partnership (ASIAP) goals.

The event highlighted the success of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Regional Training Symposium in Singapore and secured agreements for future training initiatives. States endorsed the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) programme and agreed to develop aviation training centers aligned with international standards.

Training programmes received expanded backing, including agreements for the Asia-Pacific Flight Procedure Programme and future symposiums. Officials also secured pledges for implementing revised Obstacle Limitation Surface Standards and Recommended Practices.

States agreed to advance digital air cargo initiatives, including the ONE Record system for improved data sharing. Discussions with the Asian Development Bank explored collaboration on procurement services and sustainable aviation fuel investments.

Looking forward

The 59 action items adopted during the conference provide a roadmap for implementation across the region, with States pledging to report progress ahead of the next gathering. Malaysia will host the 61st DGCA Conference in 2026 under the theme “Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Efficient Aviation.”