Aviation executives seek ways to cushion economic downturn

With the theme of "Aviation in Challenging Times: Building Resilience, Leading Recovery," the third World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum attracts more than 100 chief executives from civil aviation authorities, airports and air navigation service providers from over 50 countries and regions and 10 international and regional organizations.

    Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, president of the council -- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) -- delivered the keynote address.

    He said that the air transport faces more complex and interrelated issues such as the impact of shifting and emerging markets, the growing presence of low-cost carriers, the anticipated shortfall of skilled aviation personnel, new and potential devastating security threats, among others.

    He said the aviation industry will have to adjust strategically and decisively. "The scope and depth of our response will determine how quickly and effectively we return to growth and how we build resilience to deal with future downturns," he said.

    The two-day forum is organized by the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), the training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version.