Context:

Currently, the second Asia Pacific (APAC) Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is being held in New Delhi on September 11 and 12, 2024.          

Key Highlights:

• The Second conference will be jointly organized by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Asia Pacific.
• Earlier, the first Ministerial Conference of the Asia Pacific Region was held in Beijing, China in 2018.
• This pivotal event is expected to gather around 250 representatives from 41 countries, emphasizing the region's vital role in global air traffic.
• The conference aims to establish a roadmap for advancing the civil aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region. 

About the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

• ICAO also known as the Chicago Convention, was signed on 7 December 1944 by 52 States.
• ICAO became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.
• HQ: Montreal, Canada
• Member states: As of 2024, the ICAO has 193 member states.
• India is a Founding member, joined in 1944.

Objectives: 5 Strategic Objectives:

• Safety: 
• Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency:
• Security and Facilitation: 
• Economic Development of Air Transport
• Environmental Protection

Key areas of discussion:

• Coordination on aviation matters of regional and global importance.
• Fostering collaboration on a common platform.
• Harmonize regional aviation growth.
• Creating a safe, resilient, and dynamic Asia Pacific air transport system post-pandemic.

Aviation Growth in India:

• Surge in Aircraft Numbers: India is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world and is currently the 3rd largest in the domestic segment. 
• Over the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has doubled, increasing from 400 to over 800. 
• Indian Airlines ordered more than 1200 aircraft in the last year alone.
• Expansion of Airports: India has seen a remarkable increase in the number of airports, growing from 74 to 157. 
• This expansion is crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and accommodating the increasing number of passengers.
• Government Initiatives: The UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) has significantly improved access to air travel for remote areas, integrating them into the national aviation network and promoting economic development.

Significance:

• The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference represents a key milestone for India's aviation industry, positioning the country as a global growth and innovation leader. 
• This event fosters international cooperation and highlights India's strategic role in shaping the future of civil aviation in the Asia Pacific region.