Leading figures from the global aviation industry have called for faster regulatory alignment, smarter adoption of technology, and greater international cooperation to help the sector adapt to an increasingly complex global environment. The comments came during a high-level panel discussion on Day 2 of the World Governments Summit 2026.
The session, titled “What Is the Next Destination for Aviation 2.0?”, was moderated by Richard Quest of CNN and brought together H.E. Toshiyuki Onuma, President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.
Onuma reiterated that ICAO’s main focus remains ensuring safety, security, and sustainability across all aspects of global aviation. He acknowledged, however, that building consensus among nations is increasingly challenging in today’s geopolitical climate.
“Safety and security are our shared goals,” Onuma said. “As long as we stay committed to these fundamentals, I believe finding common ground is achievable.”
Touching on sustainability, Onuma explained that modern aviation regulation must go beyond technical standards and incorporate long-term environmental planning. He added that one of the biggest challenges lies in ensuring aviation stays prominent within broader economic and policy discussions.
Sir Tim Clark praised the Middle East’s efforts in airspace management, describing the region’s coordination as a “Herculean task” that has been executed effectively—often better than in other parts of the world. He emphasized that the technology needed to streamline airport operations, passenger movement, and border control already exists, but what’s lacking is a collective willingness to adopt it.
“The tools are ready,” Clark said. “We can move passengers through airports seamlessly, without physical contact. What’s needed now is the will to put this technology into action.”
Clark also underlined ICAO’s importance as the backbone of international aviation regulation, though he acknowledged that the organization’s consensus-based approach can slow decision-making.
“It’s never easy to reach unanimity in today’s world,” he noted. “But ICAO remains the vital platform that keeps global aviation safe, coordinated, and efficient.”
The panel also addressed emerging challenges, including commercial spaceflight, congested airspace, and outdated regulatory systems. Onuma said ICAO is working closely with its member states to identify obsolete rules and update them in line with today’s industry realities.
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