Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia Hosts Asia-Pacific Air Transport Facilitation Forum
Society
Ulaanbaatar, July 7, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The Government of Mongolia, in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is hosting the Asia-Pacific Air Transport Facilitation Forum for the first time.
This forum is notable for coinciding with the 75th anniversary
of the adoption of Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention and the 100th anniversary
of the development of civil aviation in Mongolia. More than 120 delegates from
39 countries are participating, discussing topics such as strengthening
national air transport facilitation programs and committees, deepening border
and customs control and regional cooperation, and implementing the Public Key
Directory (PKD), passenger information systems (API, PNR), and the UN CT TRAVEL
program, as well as the introduction of artificial intelligence, automation,
and new border-crossing technologies to support a safe, efficient, and
integrated air transport system. The event also aims to exchange information
and experience, address challenges and solutions, and strengthen cooperation.
Director of the Monitoring,
Evaluation, and Internal Audit Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of
Mongolia S. Munkhnasan, stated, “Since 2021,
our country has been operating a new international airport with the capacity of
receiving up to three million passengers annually. In 2024, we served a total
of 2.2 million passengers, while in the first six months of 2025, this figure
has increased by 13 percent. According to international organizations, global
air passenger flow is projected to increase by 86 percent by 2040. This forum focuses
on how to meet and accommodate that growth. In recent years, international
airports have introduced self-service registration as well as advanced
technology equipment to conduct health screenings of passengers remotely.
Behind these actions lies the aim of ensuring air transport safety. Our country
is also working to facilitate air transport services, especially border and
customs operations.”
During this forum, the countries are discussing cooperation to
share information between relevant organizations more easily and rapidly.,
Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific Office of the International Civil
Aviation Organization Ma Tao emphasized that facilitating air transport could
prevent the production and illegal use of counterfeit passports, as well as
human trafficking and migration-related issues.
The “Asia-Pacific Air Transport Facilitation” forum will continue until July 8 of this month.
