“Shaping the Future of Air Transport: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive” was the central theme of the 59th DGCA Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation in APAC Region in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Organized by the ICAO APAC Regional Office and hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Conference was held in Cebu from 14 to 18 October 2024. Over the course of the event, participants deliberated on 80 discussion papers, leading to the adoption of 49 action items addressing critical areas such as aviation safety, security, air navigation, air transport, environmental sustainability, capacity development, and implementation.
Altogether 34 States/Administrations attended the conference while 10 International Organizations participated in the conference with a total of 361 delegates. 10 presentations and overviews were presented by ICAO and APANPIRG Chair and RASG Chair on 9 Agenda Items. 58 information papers were submitted by States and International Organizations, further enriching the dialogue. In addition, 12 international and national exhibitors displayed their products and services related to civil aviation at the conference in Cebu.
Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Philippines Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo welcomed all delegates in the 59th DGCA Conference while President of the ICAO Council, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano delivered his remarks during the opening program. As the chief guest of the program Mr. Jamie J Bautista, Secretary, Department of Transportation, Government of Philippines graced the opening program of the conference and expressed the solidarity of Philippines on collaboration with ICAO. Secretary General of ICAO, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar delivered his keynote remarks on ‘ICAO Strategic Plan and the Global/Regional Priorities’ by highlighting the various aspects of long-term strategic planning of ICAO to meet the organization’s objectives.
Six distinguished panelists highlighted various insights on the theme topic of the conference during high-level panel discussion that was focused on inclusiveness, resilience and sustainability of the air transport sector. The conference also provided opportunities for various bilateral and multilateral meetings as sideline events. The ‘ICAO-Donor Dialogue’ was one of the most remarkable side events in the conference in which 14 partners participated and discussed exploring potential areas of cooperation in APAC region.
These are the highlights of the action items that were endorsed by the 59th DGCA Conference:
- Urged to adopt emerging technologies in accordance with ICAO SARPs and to synchronize efforts to achieve strategic objectives, goals, programs, and initiatives of ICAO to advance international civil aviation in an environmentally sustainable manner for the next 80 years.
- Urged donors to continue with and enhance voluntary contributions for advancement of aviation safety in the region.
- Invited cooperation in data collection and usage for monitoring progress of the NASP and NANP, the conference urged to identify and address the specific challenges that authorities may face in effectively implementing the safety promotion component of Annex 19;
- Urged States/Administrations to take appropriate actions to detect and mitigate GNSS RFI sources and further urged ICAO to organize a workshop for sharing best practices and lessons learned for managing and mitigating GNSS RFI events.
- Noting the importance of harmonization and collaboration among sub-regional ATFM initiatives, the Conference reaffirmed that States/Administrations should continue promoting ATFM collaboration in accordance with APANPIRG and its Sub-Groups’ Terms of Reference, and their activities.
- The Conference encouraged sharing of relevant information between States/Administrations and stakeholders engaged in or impacted by One Stop Security (OSS) arrangements. The Conference encouraged States/Administrations to support the operations of and infrastructure investment in airports and encouraged to use appropriate mechanisms to support air traffic growth in the Asia/Pacific region and to implement sustainable aviation practices.
- Invited to promote cooperation and collaboration in the Asia/Pacific region to enhance SAF availability and recognizing that an early lead in SAF development.
- Noting the role of Regional Training Cooperation Framework (RTCF) in the development of technical human resources, the Conference invited States/Administrations to work together for the development of competent human resources in APAC region.
- To continue the support for PSIDS-focused ICAO activities and ICAO PSIDS Liaison Office operations, the Conference encouraged States/Administrations to continue to provide financial support; provide suitably qualified experts; and provide on-the-job training opportunities for PSIDS personnel following completion of ICAO training courses.
- The Conference expressed their strongest, unanimous support for the Asia/Pacific Region to have at least one more seat in the ICAO Council, in addition to the existing seven seats.
