The Asia Pacific region, a hub of booming aviation, has taken a bold step towards a future where air travel is both sustainable and technologically advanced. This commitment was solidified at a high-level Ministerial Conference in New Delhi, resulting in the adoption of a landmark document known as the “Delhi Declaration.”
This declaration, signed by representatives from 29 countries, lays out ambitious goals for the future of air travel within one of the world’s most rapidly expanding aviation markets. The Second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, held in New Delhi, was a pivotal moment where ministers and senior officials from across the region came together to shape the future of their industry.
Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, India’s Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation, was appointed as the Chairperson, while the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Fiji, Viliame Rogoibuli Gavoka, took on the role of Vice Chairperson. Co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Government of India, the conference witnessed the participation of over 200 delegates, including 12 ministers, 8 deputy/vice ministers, and 24 directors general of civil aviation. Their collective commitment to driving innovation in aviation while addressing global challenges was evident.
The attendance of India’s Prime Minister, H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, during the adoption and proclamation of the Delhi Declaration, underscored the strategic importance of the aviation sector to the country’s economic growth.
At the heart of the Delhi Declaration lies a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of aviation. In a symbolic gesture, India, in recognition of ICAO’s 80th anniversary, planted 80,000 trees. The declaration also emphasizes the need to promote gender equality within the sector. With women comprising 15% of India’s pilot workforce—three times the global average—India is setting an example, though the declaration calls for further progress to achieve gender parity across the region and meet the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals.
The key commitments outlined in the Delhi Declaration include:
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Sustainable Aviation:
The declaration underscores the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering technological advancements to achieve environmentally friendly air travel.*
Enhanced Safety:
The declaration stresses the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety through robust regulations, advanced technology, and comprehensive training programs.*
Technological Advancement:
It recognizes the need to embrace cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation, to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and provide a more seamless travel experience.*
Gender Equality:
The declaration emphasizes the need to promote gender equality within the aviation sector, recognizing the vital role of women in driving innovation and growth in the industry.These commitments build upon the foundations laid by the previous Beijing Declaration and come at a pivotal time as the aviation industry recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously facing mounting pressure to mitigate its environmental impact.
The outcomes of this conference will play a crucial role in shaping ICAO’s work program and will inform discussions at the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in 2025, where global aviation policies will be further refined and adopted.
