The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ms Clara Wong, led a Civil Aviation Department (CAD) delegation to attend the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

     With the theme of "Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Efficient Aviation", the Conference was attended by over 210 participants from 40 member states, administrations and international organisations. Aviation authorities and industry organisations discussed a wide range of subjects, including aviation safety and security, air navigation, environment, innovations, and regional co-operation.

     CAD submitted two papers. One highlighted CAD's collaborative approach in managing safe and orderly air traffic and airport operations under severe weather. The other shared Hong Kong, China's experience in an expeditious recovery from an aircraft accident under challenging conditions in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Both papers received positive feedback and strong support.

     Separately, Ms Wong, in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the ICAO Regional Aviation Safety Group - Asia Pacific Regions (RASG-APAC), presented the key outcomes of the 15th Meeting of RASG-APAC, which plays a crucial role in supporting a regional performance framework for the management of aviation safety. She elaborated on the significant progress made by the Group in advancing the Regional Aviation Safety Plan and strengthening co-ordination with the Asia Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group, and reaffirmed the collective commitment to continuous safety improvement.

     Ms Wong also met with leaders from various aviation authorities and industry organisations to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including low-altitude economy development. Marking CAD's 80th anniversary this year, she briefed fellow members on the remarkable development of Hong Kong civil aviation over the past 80 years, and highlighted that CAD will continue to embrace innovation and new technologies, leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive advantage of strong support of the motherland and global connectivity to pioneer continued development and growth of the aviation industry.

     Ms Wong also signed the Programme Document to extend the Asia-Pacific Flight Procedure Programme into Phase VI (2027-2029) with nine fellow leaders of civil aviation authorities in the region, together with the ICAO Secretary General. The Programme is instrumental in promoting collaborative connectivity for air traffic across the region, achieving seamless operations. The signing underscored CAD's commitment to deepening regional collaboration, expanding connectivity and consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub, in support of safe, efficient and sustainable aviation development in the region.

     Ms Wong will return to Hong Kong today (September 10).

Ends/Thursday, September 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00

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