September 21, Colombo (LNW) The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully took place in New Delhi, India, from September 11–12, 2024, following an initial offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.
Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), highlighted the rapid growth of the Asia Pacific region, stating, “We are expecting 4.5 billion passengers this year, which will grow to 11.5 billion passengers by 2050. Asia Pacific is a beacon of this growth.”
The conference addressed key challenges such as infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce development, while promoting greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Sri Lanka was represented by AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer, who delivered a statement affirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to the development of civil aviation on behalf of the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Civil Aviation. Avanthi Senarathne, Vice Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services, also participated as a member of the Sri Lankan delegation.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, graced the event as the chief guest, underscoring the significance of the conference for regional and global aviation development.
