Minister Ted Richardson would like to wish all those working in the civil aviation sector a happy International Civil Aviation Day, Saturday, December 07.
The theme for the internationally observed day is "Evolving to Meet the Challenges of 21st Century Air Transport."
The theme recognizes the significant re-evaluations which the entire air transport sector is undertaking. The global air transport network is presently projected to double in size by 2030.
Currently 30 million flights are flown annually and this will grow to 60 million over the next 16 years, while the total number of passengers served will rise to six (6) billion from today’s three (3) billion.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those working in civil aviation, control tower, airport, airlines, other aviation oriented companies, and the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping & Maritime Affairs for their professionalism and dedication to the sector. Our country’s tourism sector is dependent on civil aviation, and for each role that the stakeholders play.
"Our airport, the Princess Juliana International Airport is celebrating its 70th anniversary. That is a milestone. We can be proud that our airport serves as a hub for the North Eastern part of the Caribbean, connecting the world with five territories in this.
"We have WINAIR, more than 90 per cent owned by the country spreading its wings within the Caribbean Basin. The aviation sector of our country is well and alive.
"Each and every person working in the aviation sector, from the airport to the companies that provide services to the airport, the civil aviation department, to airlines and other aspects of civil aviation, you all have done a great job and continue to do so on a daily basis. Thank you for a job well done," Minister Hon. Ted Richardson said on Friday.
The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) is a United Nations (UN) body that takes care of the standards to be maintained in the civil aviation industry. ICAO was formed in the year 1944. The first civil aviation day was observed in the year 1994 on 7th December as a mark of 50+ years since the founding.
ICAO takes care of the standards and safety measures to be followed for civil aviation industry in the world. ICAO services as the global forum for its 191 Member States.