ICAO leads progress among Asia-Pacific States on major air transport modernization plan
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has secured regional support for a major initiative to modernize air travel across the Asia-Pacific, aiming to streamline border procedures and enhance digital travel systems. The agreements were reached during the ICAO Facilitation Regional Forum, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where countries agreed to accelerate the adoption of digital travel credentials and advanced border management technologies—developments expected to particularly benefit developing nations and small island States in the region.
The two-day forum, which concluded on 9th July, provided a platform for governments and industry leaders to explore new opportunities for collaboration. Discussions focused on digital infrastructure, emerging capabilities, and ways to overcome current challenges in regional air travel facilitation.
“With Asia-Pacific air traffic projected to lead global growth and reach 12.4 billion passengers by 2050, we must rethink how we manage the flow of people and goods across borders,” said ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. “The consensus achieved at this forum lays a solid foundation for that transformation—ensuring that standardized, interoperable systems are in place to support this remarkable growth securely and efficiently.”
Juan Carlos Salazar also commended Mongolia for its leadership in hosting the event, highlighting the country’s historic role in regional connectivity. The forum also coincided with Mongolia’s celebration of 100 years of civil aviation.
“Mongolia is committed to working closely with ICAO, its Member States, and all stakeholders to enhance facilitation, simplify border procedures, and drive innovation,” said Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary at Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “I believe this Forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in regional aviation cooperation.”
The event brought together 126 participants, including representatives from governments, international organizations, and the aviation industry. Together, they reaffirmed the critical role of air transport facilitation in supporting regional connectivity, economic growth, and social development—especially for Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States in the Asia-Pacific.
Participants also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to improve the passenger experience, while maintaining essential levels of human oversight to ensure safety and accountability.
There was strong support for ICAO’s global standards and regulatory frameworks, which enable interoperability and security of travel documents, facilitate implementation of passenger data exchange systems, and improve overall border management efficiency.
The forum also explored ways to advance pilot projects related to ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential (DTC) and Public Key Directory (PKD), encouraging active engagement from the aviation industry in driving forward innovative digital solutions.
This regional gathering was one of several events organized to mark the ICAO Year of Facilitation and the 75th Anniversary of Annex 9 – Facilitation. The insights and outcomes from the forum will contribute to shaping discussions and decisions at the upcoming 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, scheduled to be held in Montréal this September.
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