Aviation leaders to map out Asia-Pacific aviation path at New Zealand talks

Aviation industry leaders from around the Asia-Pacific region will gather in New Zealand this week to discuss how to manage unprecedented air traffic growth.

The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) Asia Pacific Conference is to be hosted by state-owned air navigation service provider Airways New Zealand on May 5-6 in the South Island town of Queenstown.

"These talks will be vital to ensure the future sustainability of Asia Pacific, and of travel and tourism to New Zealand," Airways CEO Ed Sims said on Tuesday.

"Our region is facing a period of unprecedented growth; the projected increase in traffic and airspace congestion will have a profound impact on safety, efficiency, environmental sustainability and the wider economy."

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), about half of the world's air travel - almost 3 billion journeys - would touch the Asia-Pacific within 20 years, up from around 30 percent now.

"The aviation industry has an opportunity to harness this projected volume as a positive driver of growth for the region. The work of this conference is to ensure the supply of essential services matches this demand and that Asia-Pacific retains its status as one of safest and most efficient regions in world," said Sims.

One of the key speakers, CANSO director general Jeff Poole, said the CANSO Asia Pacific Conference had attracted a record 170 participants.

"This reflects the importance of the region and the vital role that air traffic management plays in providing the infrastructure that enables connectivity, provides access to markets, boosts tourism and contributes to the region's GDP," said Poole.

Source: XINHUA