The newly appointed president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Monday set out plans for a major transformation of global air transport, signaling a new era for international aviation in his first public address since taking office.

Speaking at the Changi Aviation Summit in Singapore, ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma presented the organization’s Long-Term Strategic Plan for 2050, which aims to guide the sector toward safer operations, cleaner growth, and broader access to air travel, ICAO said in a press release.

Onuma took office at a time of strong growth in air travel demand, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, where passenger traffic is rising faster than in any other region. He linked that growth to the need for coordinated global action, noting that worldwide passenger numbers are projected to triple by mid-century.

“We must see change as an opportunity for growth,” Onuma said. “We have a shared commitment through the ICAO Long-Term Strategic Plan. We must use it to coordinate and align our efforts to transform aviation.”

The 2050 strategy sets out long-term objectives, including zero aviation-related fatalities, net-zero carbon emissions, and universal access to air transport, and it was endorsed by 32 resolutions adopted unanimously at ICAO’s Assembly last year.

ICAO said these goals will be pursued through practical measures such as strengthening safety oversight, investing in skills development, and accelerating technological innovation.

Onuma also highlighted new ICAO partnerships and financial tools, including the recently launched Finvest Hub, which is intended to help mobilise investment for aviation infrastructure and sustainability projects, particularly in developing and emerging markets.

Pointing to the Asia-Pacific region as both a testing ground and a driver of change, the ICAO president cited Singapore’s progress in digital transformation and sustainable aviation as an example of the type of development the organisation aims to encourage globally.

Throughout his remarks, Onuma stressed the importance of collective action and regional cooperation, underlining ICAO’s role in ensuring that less-developed countries can fully participate in the growth of global aviation.

ICAO said the long-term plan is intended to ensure that the rapid expansion of air transport over the coming decades delivers lasting economic and social benefits while addressing safety, environmental, and accessibility challenges facing the industry.

Source: ICAO Press Release