49th Conference Of DGCA Asia Pacific Regions Starts In New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 8, IRNA – The 49th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Asia Pacific Regions kicked off Monday in New Delhi. India’s Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh inaugurated the five-day (8-12 October) conference, themed on “Managing Air Transport Growth in the Asia Pacific Region through a Collaborative Approach to Safety, Security and Sustainability,” which would also review and exchange information, enhance coordination of civil aviation activities and harmonize and coordinate implementation of standards and procedures in the region. Ajit Singh, at his inaugural address said, "We would request the delegates to oppose any unilateral environment measures imposed by a state or group of states like the EU-ETS (Emission Trading Scheme)." He appealed to the delegates to "work with International Civil Aviation Organization to evolve global environment protection on the basis of equity and consensus following the broad consensus obtained" in the United Nations fora. Observing that India was a "major corridor" between the East and the West, Singh said the final operational phase and certification GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo- Augmented Navigation) system, developed jointly by Airports Authority of India and Indian Space Research Organization, was expected to be completed in June 2013. "GAGAN has a footprint overlapping with European Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) on the West and Japanese SBAS on the East," he said. The three-day conference is attended by top global aviation officials, including ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin, apart from aviation regulatory bodies of over 45 countries and six professional bodies. The first Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation was held in Manila, Philippines in 1960. The conference which is held every year is a major civil aviation event in the Asia and Pacific region. It provides a regional forum for exchange of views among the Directors General/Chief Executives of Civil Aviation in Asia/Pacific Region. India last hosted the DGCA Conference in 1997./end