The Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation was unanimously adopted at the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in New Delhi.

About 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference

• Hosted by: The event is co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• The first Ministerial Conference of the Asia Pacific region was organised in 2018 in Beijing, China.
• Highlights of the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference: 
  • Airport Expansion: India’s Aviation Goals for 2047 is to have 350-400 airports by 2047.
  • India’s Position in Global Aviation Market:  India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, positioning itself as a major hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and cargo operations.
  • Adoption of Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation: The Draft Asia Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Civil Aviation (Delhi Declaration) was presented and discussed, followed by its formal adoption after ministerial deliberations.

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About Delhi Declaration

• Aim: To enhance regional cooperation, addressing emerging challenges and fostering sustainable growth in the civil aviation sector in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Main Commitments under Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation

• Regional Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration among Asia-Pacific countries to address common challenges and opportunities in civil aviation.
• Sustainability: Promoting sustainable aviation practices, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 
  • The goal is to blend at least 1% SAF with jet fuel by 2027, increasing to 2% by 2028.
• Inclusivity: Making the aviation sector more inclusive, with a focus on increasing the participation of women. 
  • In India, 15% of pilots are women, which is significantly higher than the global average of 5%.
• Technological and Infrastructural Advancements: Sharing technological and infrastructural advancements to improve the overall efficiency and safety of the aviation sector.
• Cultural Connectivity: Initiatives like creating an ‘International Buddhist Circuit’ to connect holy places related to Lord Buddha across Asia, benefiting the civil aviation sector, travellers, and regional economies.

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