Aviation experts prepare for recovery of travel industry

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Legal Seminar is in session at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

By Lee Kyung-min

The global aviation industry should strengthen in-flight and airport infection containment efforts, as a top priority amid signs of recovery for the industry hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to industry experts, Wednesday.

The recommendation was made during the 2022 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Legal Seminar at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul.

The three-day event that began Tuesday was jointly organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and ICAO, a United Nations organization that oversees global aviation policy in 193 member countries.

Representing the ICAO at the event were Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, Legal Affairs Director Michael Gill and Legal Committee Chairperson Siew Huay Tan.

The global aviation experts discussed the desired future course of laws governing international aviation, as well as aviation safety and security, to better respond to post-pandemic travel demands.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Korea's ICAO membership, according to the ministry, a memorable milestone for the country that joined the international organization in 1952 during the Korean War.

“Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world, but it has since grown to rank fifth in air transport volume as of 2020, contributing greatly to the development of international aviation,” the ministry said in a statement.

The international event helped revitalize the global aviation industry, encompassing businesses that have all but ground to a halt, due in large part to gathering bans and transport restrictions during the pandemic, the ministry's aviation policy chief Kim Yong-seok said.

“The remarkably rapid development of the Korean aviation industry would not have materialized without the support of aviation laws and aviation technologies, which we were happy to share with global experts,” Kim said. “Korea will continue striving to make meaningful contributions to the global aviation industry.”