First of all, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. As ICAO is one of the key organizations shaping global aviation standards and given your recent participation in the AI in the Sky conference, I’d like to start with questions on artificial intelligence and its impact on aviation. How do you see AI transforming the future of aviation, particularly in areas such as air traffic control, operational efficiency, and passenger experience? 

Juan Carlos Salazar: AI is transforming aviation across multiple dimensions: safety, operational efficiency, economics, and environmental sustainability, strengthening the industry's resilience and adaptability.

In terms of safety, AI enhances operations at every stage of flight, from pre-flight checks to landing. Through predictive analytics, AI identifies potential risks by analyzing real-time sensor data and historical incident reports, addressing issues before they escalate. During flight, AI assists pilots by monitoring aircraft performance and weather conditions, providing real-time alerts and recommendations in critical situations. AI also aids air traffic control in managing complex traffic patterns, predicting conflicts, and simulating emergency scenarios to improve response strategies. A particularly promising development is 4D trajectory prediction, which considers not only an aircraft's position in three-dimensional space but also the time dimension, enabling more accurate and dynamic understanding of aircraft movement.

The economic impact and operational efficiency gains from AI are significant. Predictive maintenance helps minimize expensive repairs by addressing issues early. AI-driven flight path optimization reduces fuel consumption, lowering both costs and emissions. Airlines and airports use AI to forecast demand, enabling better resource allocation in areas such as staffing and gate assignments. AI also optimizes pricing strategies and personalizes marketing efforts to boost revenue.

Passenger experience is another area where AI delivers substantial benefits. AI-enabled biometric identification expedites airport security processes and check-in procedures, reducing congestion and wait times. Airlines use AI to personalize services based on traveler preferences, boosting passenger loyalty and generating additional revenue through targeted offers such as in-flight purchases and upgrades. AI-powered chatbots enhance customer service, while intelligent systems optimize seating arrangements and loyalty programs.

In pilot training, AI-powered simulators provide real-time, adaptive experiences, offering scenarios that enhance skill retention and prepare pilots for complex situations. These advanced training tools contribute to maintaining high safety standards across the industry.

Environmental sustainability benefits significantly from AI applications. By optimizing flight paths, minimizing idle times, and improving taxi routes, AI reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Airports use AI to manage real-time energy consumption, integrating renewable sources to lower their environmental footprint. These efficiencies are vital for meeting the aviation industry's long-term climate goals.

While AI's potential in aviation will continue to grow, driving improvements across various areas, it is crucial to develop international frameworks to ensure AI's ethical and safe deployment, aligning with the core principles of global aviation: safety, reliability, and trust. ICAO will play a key role in developing these standards, ensuring AI contributes responsibly to aviation's growth.

What are some specific initiatives ICAO is leading to integrate AI across the aviation industry in a standardized manner?

Juan Carlos Salazar: ICAO is leading several global initiatives to integrate AI into aviation in a standardized manner, focusing on key areas including safety, security, environment, economic development, and air navigation. These efforts are guided by experts from Member States, who assess how AI technologies can help achieve ICAO's strategic objectives.

A cornerstone initiative is the development of a comprehensive standardization roadmap, led by the ICAO Council and the Air Navigation Commission (ANC). This roadmap is designed to ensure the timely development of standards for AI innovations, enabling the industry to integrate AI safely and efficiently. The structured approach helps evaluate new AI technologies and their potential applications in aviation, ensuring they align with established safety and operational requirements.

ICAO actively engages with the global aviation community through multiple channels. Regular forums, conferences, and the Triennial Assembly provide platforms where Member States present papers on AI and other innovations. These discussions lead to concrete decisions that help prepare the sector for widespread AI adoption. The collaborative approach ensures that diverse perspectives and requirements are considered in developing AI-related standards and practices.

Recognizing that AI governance extends beyond aviation, ICAO collaborates with other UN organizations to ensure alignment on key aspects, particularly regarding the ethical use of AI. This coordination helps maintain consistency with broader international standards while addressing aviation-specific needs.

Through these coordinated initiatives, ICAO is facilitating the responsible integration of AI into aviation, ensuring that safety, security, and efficiency remain paramount while addressing important ethical considerations in AI deployment.

  Could you share ICAO’s roadmap for advancing digital transformation within the aviation industry?

Juan Carlos Salazar: ICAO advances digital transformation within the aviation industry through comprehensive global plans and initiatives. This approach builds on our history of successful technological implementations that have enabled aviation capacity to stay ahead of growing demand.

Our track record includes support to several significant technological transformations. We have provided support for the successful implementation of  the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) , enhanced collision avoidance systems, and innovative solutions to improve facilitation. These advancements demonstrate ICAO's commitment to embracing and standardizing new technologies that enhance aviation operations.

However, with aviation demand increasing at an accelerated pace, we recognize the need to foster further innovation. Our current focus extends beyond merely maintaining adequate capacity – we aim to achieve net increases in overall industry performance. This requires embracing new digital technologies and solutions that can transform various aspects of aviation operations.

Through our global plans and initiatives, we continue to guide the industry's digital transformation, ensuring that technological advancement serves the needs of growing global air transport while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

With the increasing reliance on digital systems, how is ICAO addressing cybersecurity challenges within the sector? What does ICAO consider to be the key milestones or breakthroughs in this journey towards a fully digitalized aviation ecosystem?

Juan Carlos Salazar: ICAO supports the civil aviation sector in addressing cybersecurity challenges through a comprehensive framework that promotes a holistic approach across all civil aviation disciplines. This framework aligns with and complements national cybersecurity regulations and industry standards while being guided by the ICAO Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy. It builds upon existing international aviation legal instruments, Standards, Recommended Practices, Procedures, and guidance material, maintaining the agility needed to address evolving cyber threats facing the sector.

In our journey towards a fully digitalized aviation ecosystem, a key milestone has been the recognition that cybersecurity must be embedded from the outset, both at strategic and tactical levels. This proactive approach helps minimize potential gaps between different systems and stakeholders, leading to a better-managed environment that enhances safety, security, efficiency, and capacity. These improvements translate into tangible economic and environmental benefits while ensuring protection against and resilience to cyber threats and risks.

Our vision for aviation cybersecurity is clear: we aim to maintain a civil aviation sector that is resilient to cyber-attacks and remains safe, secure, and trusted globally, while continuing to innovate and grow. This vision guides our ongoing efforts to support the sector's digital transformation while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.

Through this comprehensive approach, ICAO ensures that the increasing digitalization of aviation systems proceeds hand-in-hand with appropriate cybersecurity measures, maintaining the integrity and reliability of global air transport.

 As a longstanding ICAO member, how would you evaluate Turkey’s contributions to ICAO’s goals, particularly in terms of aviation safety, security, and sustainable development? Within the concept of Turkey’s strategic geographic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia, how does ICAO view its potential role in advancing connectivity and innovation in global aviation?

Juan Carlos Salazar: Turkiye's relationship with ICAO dates back to 20 December  1945, when it became one of its early members by ratifying the Chicago Convention. Over the decades, Turkiye has demonstrated a strong commitment to ICAO's goals through various initiatives and regulatory frameworks, notably establishing bilateral air transport agreements with over 170 of ICAO's 193 Member States.

In terms of environmental sustainability, Turkiye has implemented several key measures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation  (DGCA) issued the Internal Practice Direction (SHT-CORSIA) to guide the aviation sector in carbon offsetting and reduction, aligning with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation’s (CORSIA) objectives. This commitment was further strengthened in 2022 with the Parliament's passage of the Regulation on Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Turkiye has also ratified the Paris Agreement and supports ICAO's Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Turkiye's environmental monitoring capabilities are robust, with the CAA tracking aviation-related CO2 emissions through a comprehensive data system since 2014, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. The country has also taken significant steps to address noise pollution, with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority and Ministry of Transportation collaborating with TÜBİTAK to develop noise maps and simulation models for airports.

Regarding safety and security, Turkiye introduced the Civil Aviation State Safety Program in 2021, aligning with ICAO's safety management requirements. The country also actively participates in ICAO's Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) and maintains stringent security measures across its airports. Looking forward, the DGCA's Strategic Plan (2024-2028) outlines ambitious goals related to safety, climate change, and sustainability.

Today, Turkiye boasts one of the largest civil aviation industries globally, with Istanbul's major airport serving as a critical hub enhancing international connectivity. This strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, combined with its robust regulatory framework and commitment to innovation, positions Turkiye as a significant contributor to advancing global aviation connectivity and development.

9- Would you like to add a message for our readers?

As ICAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, we reflect on eight decades of fostering international cooperation and establishing the foundational standards that have made aviation the safest and most reliable form of transportation in human history. Throughout these years, ICAO has consistently adapted to meet new challenges and embrace emerging opportunities, from the dawn of the jet age to today's digital transformation.

Looking ahead, we stand at the threshold of perhaps the most transformative era in aviation since the introduction of commercial flight. Advanced air mobility, artificial intelligence, and the urgent need for environmental sustainability are reshaping our industry. Yet our fundamental mission remains unchanged: ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable air transportation that connects people and nations across the globe.

The challenges we face today - particularly in environmental sustainability and digital transformation - require the same spirit of international cooperation and innovation that has defined ICAO's first 80 years. As we work together to address these challenges, we remain committed to supporting the aviation industry's evolution while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security that have been our hallmark since 1944.

The future of aviation holds tremendous promise, and ICAO will continue to serve as the forum where nations come together to shape that future, ensuring that air transport remains a powerful force for global connectivity, economic growth, and human progress