ICAO Council President to Deliver Keynote Address at 4th Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety in Osaka
16 June 2026
More than 400 aviation executives and safety experts will gather to discuss rising risks and harnessing technology to improve safety outcomes
More than 400 aviation executives and safety experts from around the globe will gather in Osaka, Japan, from 4 to 6 August 2026, for the 4th Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS) to discuss rising safety risks and harnessing technology to enhance safety amid unprecedented air traffic growth, a more complex global operating environment and disruptive technologies reshaping aviation operations. The President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma will deliver the keynote address at the summit, the first time an ICAO Council President is doing so.
2 Jointly organised by The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), AP-SAS 2026, themed “Achieving Safety Excellence: Collaborate, Reinforce, Transform”, features a strong line up of aviation executives and safety experts, including from Air Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Changi Airport Group, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations and Skypath. The Opening Address will be delivered by State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Mr Hajime Sasaki. Dr Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO, FSF and Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, CAAS will deliver the Welcome Remarks.
3 Expert panel discussions during the summit will examine the most pressing safety challenges facing the region - from strengthening safety leadership and cross-boundary collaboration, to harnessing artificial intelligence responsibly, improving ramp operations, and preparing for the safe integration of advanced air mobility. Throughout the programme, speakers will focus on practical approaches to turning safety vision into action, building trust and information-sharing, enhancing operational performance and advancing safety excellence.
4 Dr Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation, said, “The Asia Pacific region is the engine driving much of aviation’s unprecedented growth. Rising traffic volumes, groundbreaking innovation, the emergence of disruptive technologies, and challenges attracting and retaining personnel mean the industry must embrace new technologies and operational procedures to continue to advance aviation safety.”
5 Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, CAAS, said, “Aviation safety is the foundation upon which countries can seize the tremendous growth opportunities that aviation offers. As aviation is inherently cross-border, we need to collaborate across countries and with industry to address safety challenges and take coordinated action. The strong participation in the summit and the ICAO Council President’s attendance reflect growing safety concerns and a shared commitment to ensure that flying is safe for all.”
6 Mr Koichi Miyazawa, Director-General, JCAB, said, “It is an honor for JCAB to partner with CAAS and FSF to host this summit in Osaka. Air transport is an indispensable infrastructure for connecting the global community, especially in the Asia Pacific region where there are many island nations including Japan. Safety is of paramount importance in aviation, and I hope this summit will serve as a hub for the Asia Pacific region in its achievement. I look forward to meeting all the participants in August in Osaka.”
7 For more information on the Summit programme and to register, please visit the AP-SAS 2026 page on FSF’s website.
About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy, and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence, and lead global aviation safety. For more information, visit www.flightsafety.org.
About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg.
About the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) is one of the bureaus of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan. JCAB is responsible for the maintenance of airports, the safety of air transportation and the improvement of user convenience, and the development of the air transportation industry. For more information, please visit the MLIT website https://www.mlit.go.jp.
For media queries, please contact:
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg
