It was a momentous occasion when Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, the Secretary General of ICAO, embarked on his first trip to China since assuming office in August 2021. His visit was coordinated so he could join delegates from the Asia and Pacific (APAC) States in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the APAC Regional Sub-Office (RSO) that is situated in Beijing, China. The event served as a platform to extend gratitude to the Civil Aviation Administration of China for graciously hosting the APAC RSO since its establishment on 27 June 2013. Mr. Salazar, in his address, expressed deep appreciation for China’s unwavering support, both in terms of human resources and financial backing, which has been instrumental in the office’s success.
The APAC RSO stands as a valuable complement to the APAC Regional Office based in Bangkok, Thailand, and plays a pivotal role in providing vital support to all 39 Asia and Pacific States in implementing effective Air Traffic Management (ATM) measures.
Over the past decade, the APAC RSO has been at the forefront of supporting APAC States in several crucial areas, including civil-military cooperation (CMAC), Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), Airspace Management (ASM), Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), and Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM). This support involves closely monitoring the ATM implementation of States, identifying gaps in comparison to the regional roadmap, and engaging with the respective States to determine the specific support required. This could take the form of specialized “Go team” missions with small groups of experts, working in tandem with various partners. Furthermore, the APAC RSO actively leads regional meetings and organizes webinars and workshops to enhance awareness and encourage meaningful exchanges between participating States.
During this momentous occasion, the ICAO Secretary General and Mr. Song, the Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), signed the renewal of the Supplementary Agreement between ICAO and CAAC. The agreement solidifies the financial and administrative arrangements for the Asia and Pacific Regional Sub-office, signifying China’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the operations of the APAC RSO.
As a gesture of goodwill, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar hosted an engaging cocktail reception, bringing together representatives from APAC States, as well as members of the aviation and United Nations communities. This provided a platform for further networking and strengthening ties between nations.
The 10th-anniversary celebration of the APAC RSO marks a milestone in the collaborative efforts to enhance aviation in the Asia and Pacific region. It highlights the significance of international cooperation and mutual support as we strive for safer, more efficient, and sustainable air travel. Though the ICAO Secretary General’s visit to China may have been brief, the aviation world eagerly looks forward to witnessing even greater achievements in the years to come, building upon the strong foundation laid by the APAC RSO and its dedicated partners.
