GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Sept. India is set to host the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation from September 11-12, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event is co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. This follows India’s volunteer commitment in 2018 to host the second conference, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference aims to address the growing travel needs and infrastructure challenges in the Asia Pacific region. It will bring together top aviation decision-makers and policy leaders to discuss future cooperation and opportunities in the sector.
India, currently the third-largest aviation market domestically, has experienced remarkable growth. The number of aircraft has doubled in the past decade, and the number of airports has surged from 74 to 157. Government initiatives like the UDAN scheme have expanded regional connectivity, integrating remote areas into the national aviation network.
Historically, Indian aviation began in 1911 with the first commercial flight between Allahabad and Naini. Tata Airlines, now Air India, started operations in 1932, and the sector saw major milestones, including the introduction of jet services in the 1960s and the rise of low-cost carriers in the 2000s.
The conference reflects India’s position as a global aviation leader, committed to innovation, sustainability, and expanded connectivity. It will also discuss the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and its potential to transform short-distance travel and alleviate urban congestion.
The upcoming conference highlights India’s dynamic role in shaping the future of global aviation and underscores its growing influence in the sector.