The International Civil Aviation Organization and McGill University’s Institute of Air & Space organized the fourth ICAO/Mcgill Pre-Assembly Symposium which took place from 21 to 22 September 2013, at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal. The Symposium was to provide State delegates, aviation industry representatives with a preparatory meeting for the 38th Session of the ICAO Assmebly that started on 24 September 2013. The conference was attended by Polish delegation – President of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Poland Mr. Piotr Ołowski and Dr. Małgorzata Polkowska – Polish candidate for the election to the ICAO Council.
Under the theme of increasing air transport connectivity, aviation experts from around the world agreed during two days of frank panel discussions on the need to focus efforts on the end user, whether travellers or businesses, and to work more cooperatively towards the continuous improvement of the overall air transport experience.
“The time has come for the global air transport community, whether States or industry, to take a more holistic approach to current challenges and fully respond to the needs of users. The more connectivity we engender in realizing a convenient and positive travel experience, the more air transport will continue to contribute to economic development and prosperity around the world,” stressed ICAO Secretary General, Raymond Benjamin.
“Last March, at the Sixth Worldwide Air Transport Conference, ICAO Member States unanimously recognized the leadership role of their Organization in the economic regulation of air transport. Our 38th Assembly is an opportunity to discuss new and forwarded-looking policies that support a more focused and inclusive strategy guiding future air transport growth.”