Air transport serves as a vital bridge facilitating the global economic and trade cooperation, and the mobility of people. The effective harmonization of civil aviation regulations and standards among States plays a critical role in enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency, reinforcing the resilience and stability of global industrial chain and supply chain. As a sector driven by innovation, aviation now faces a new wave of technological revolution, led by artificial intelligence (AI), bringing both profound opportunities and unprecedented challenges.

In this session, distinguished representatives from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and academic institutions will share their insights and recommendations on how the civil aviation can embrace innovation to foster global connectivity and sustained development.

Safe, economical, orderly, and efficient air services are the foundation for turning aviation’s vision of connecting the world into a reality. Enhanced air connectivity brings forth benefits for global economic and social development, stimulating trade and creating job opportunities across regions.

At present, the civil aviation maintains a strong momentum of development, with continued growth in traffic and revenues. However, the sector is also navigating a more complex and uncertain geopolitical and economic environment, leading to challenges such as supply chain disruptions, trust and security concerns, sustainability pressures, and downward adjustments in profitability expectations.

This session will bring together representatives and experts from government authorities, airlines, airports, aeronautic manufacturers, ANSPs, MROs, academia and other stakeholders to share policies, best practices and innovative approaches to enhance infrastructure connectivity and regulation and standard harmonization. It will also explore pathways for bolstering industrial chains and multilateral cooperation in meeting the growing demand for air transport and enhancing global air connectivity in the years ahead.

The global aviation is undergoing a profound transformation, with the integration of advanced technologies - particularly artificial intelligence, which are reshaping operational models, business structures, and the outlook of the industry. This technological shift is accelerating the transition toward a safer, more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable aviation future.

At the same time, the evolution toward intelligent aviation brings with new challenges. Topics that require further exploration include real-world deployment of AI applications, data governance, development of platforms for intelligent regulation, advanced manufacturing and support from scientific and technological institutions for the innovative aviation.

In this session, representatives and experts from civil aviation authorities, airlines, airports, ANSPs, manufacturers, academia and other stakeholders will offer their perspectives and views on these critical issues.