Regional Focus: A conversation with ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Director, Mr. Tao Ma

Before COVID-19, Asia Pacific was the world’s fastest growing aviation region. The region is also highly diverse, with many challenges.

We have all suffered a huge drop in international traffic due to the pandemic. But are there more uncertainties ahead that require us to rethink our region’s aviation future? 

It has been almost four years since the last Minister level Asia Pacific conference on aviation was held in Beijing, under the auspices of the ICAO regional office. The conference adopted the Beijing Declaration, which was meant to be a commitment to higher safety levels, timely implementation of ANS plans, and the development of aviation professionals.

What has been the progress so far? Unlike other regions, is the Asia Pacific too dependent on ICAO for ATM modernisation?  What are the roles of other aviation stakeholders, and is it time for a new compact with extensive cross-border collaboration?

CANSO’s Director of Asia Pacific Affairs, Mr. Poh Theen Soh discussed these and other important questions in conversation with Mr. Tao Ma, who became ICAO’s Asia Pacific Regional Director on 1 September 2021. ICAO plays a central role in our region’s aviation system, and Mr. Tao shared his perspective and priorities.

Joining us in the conversation was a panel consisting of representatives from IFALPA, IFATCA, and IATA. They were:

• Capt. Amornvaj Mansumitchai, Vice President, IFALPA,
• Ms. Cheryl Chen, Executive Vice President Asia Pacific,  IFATCA,
• Mr. Blair Cowles, Asia Pacific Director of Operations, IATA