Air travel demand has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels in many regions, with the Asia-Pacific expected to fully return to pre-pandemic levels soon. Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, strengthening aviation connectivity is crucial not only for regional prosperity but also for global sustainable growth and stability from an economic security standpoint.

 

Following the pandemic, with ongoing constraints on flights between the two biggest nations across the Pacific, Japan has reinforced its role as a key hub connecting ASEAN and the U.S. Given rising air travel demand in the Asia-Pacific region, there is an urgent need to improve airport infrastructure and air traffic management, address aviation-related human resource shortages, and develop sustainability measures.

 

This symposium will bring together government officials from Japan and the U.S., airline and airport representatives, as well as a representative from an ASEAN country to discuss ways to enhance aviation connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.