Leading figures from the global aviation industry have called for faster regulatory alignment, smarter adoption of technology, and greater international cooperation to help the sector adapt to an increasingly complex global environment. The comments came during a high-level panel discussion on Day 2 of the World Governments Summit 2026.

The session, titled “What Is the Next Destination for Aviation 2.0?”, was moderated by Richard Quest of CNN and brought together H.E. Toshiyuki Onuma, President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.

Onuma reiterated that ICAO’s main focus remains ensuring safety, security, and sustainability across all aspects of global aviation. He acknowledged, however, that building consensus among nations is increasingly challenging in today’s geopolitical climate.

“Safety and security are our shared goals,” Onuma said. “As long as we stay committed to these fundamentals, I believe finding common ground is achievable.”

Touching on sustainability, Onuma explained that modern aviation regulation must go beyond technical standards and incorporate long-term environmental planning. He added that one of the biggest challenges lies in ensuring aviation stays prominent within broader economic and policy discussions.

Sir Tim Clark praised the Middle East’s efforts in airspace management, describing the region’s coordination as a “Herculean task” that has been executed effectively—often better than in other parts of the world. He emphasized that the technology needed to streamline airport operations, passenger movement, and border control already exists, but what’s lacking is a collective willingness to adopt it.

“The tools are ready,” Clark said. “We can move passengers through airports seamlessly, without physical contact. What’s needed now is the will to put this technology into action.”

Clark also underlined ICAO’s importance as the backbone of international aviation regulation, though he acknowledged that the organization’s consensus-based approach can slow decision-making.

“It’s never easy to reach unanimity in today’s world,” he noted. “But ICAO remains the vital platform that keeps global aviation safe, coordinated, and efficient.”

The panel also addressed emerging challenges, including commercial spaceflight, congested airspace, and outdated regulatory systems. Onuma said ICAO is working closely with its member states to identify obsolete rules and update them in line with today’s industry realities.

Leading figures from the global aviation industry have called for faster regulatory alignment, smarter adoption of technology, and greater international cooperation to help the sector adapt to an increasingly complex global environment. The comments came during a high-level panel discussion on Day 2 of the World Governments Summit 2026.

The session, titled “What Is the Next Destination for Aviation 2.0?”, was moderated by Richard Quest of CNN and brought together H.E. Toshiyuki Onuma, President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.

Onuma reiterated that ICAO’s main focus remains ensuring safety, security, and sustainability across all aspects of global aviation. He acknowledged, however, that building consensus among nations is increasingly challenging in today’s geopolitical climate.

“Safety and security are our shared goals,” Onuma said. “As long as we stay committed to these fundamentals, I believe finding common ground is achievable.”

Touching on sustainability, Onuma explained that modern aviation regulation must go beyond technical standards and incorporate long-term environmental planning. He added that one of the biggest challenges lies in ensuring aviation stays prominent within broader economic and policy discussions.

Sir Tim Clark praised the Middle East’s efforts in airspace management, describing the region’s coordination as a “Herculean task” that has been executed effectively—often better than in other parts of the world. He emphasized that the technology needed to streamline airport operations, passenger movement, and border control already exists, but what’s lacking is a collective willingness to adopt it.

“The tools are ready,” Clark said. “We can move passengers through airports seamlessly, without physical contact. What’s needed now is the will to put this technology into action.”

Clark also underlined ICAO’s importance as the backbone of international aviation regulation, though he acknowledged that the organization’s consensus-based approach can slow decision-making.

“It’s never easy to reach unanimity in today’s world,” he noted. “But ICAO remains the vital platform that keeps global aviation safe, coordinated, and efficient.”

The panel also addressed emerging challenges, including commercial spaceflight, congested airspace, and outdated regulatory systems. Onuma said ICAO is working closely with its member states to identify obsolete rules and update them in line with today’s industry realities.

A futuristic sea-skimming craft known as the AirFish is set to enter commercial service by the third quarter of 2026, offering passengers a faster way to travel between Singapore and a nearby regional destination.

The plan was revealed on February 1 by Kevin Chow, head of Aerostructures and Systems at ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace division, who said the company will unveil a partnership with a ferry operator during the Singapore Airshow 2026. The event, taking place from February 3 to 8 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, will include further details about the operational route.

ST Engineering has not yet specified the inaugural destination, but earlier reports suggested potential routes across the Singapore Strait, possibly linking the city-state with Batam or Bintan in Indonesia.

The AirFish combines the speed of aviation with the accessibility of maritime travel. Stretching 17 meters in length and 15 meters in width, the craft seats six to eight passengers and is operated by two crew members. Its design is based on the “wing-in-ground effect,” a principle that creates extra lift when the wings fly close to the water’s surface, forming a cushion of air beneath them.

This allows the vessel to glide just above the waves at speeds of around 90 knots (167 km/h) — roughly three times faster than most high-speed ferries — with a range of up to 300 nautical miles.

Initial engineering and certification trials began in 2024, conducted twice monthly in waters off Changi. Chow said the company is advancing well in the certification process, with flight tests expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

The project is led by ST Engineering AirX, a joint venture between ST Engineering and local startup Peluca, which is working alongside a classification society to obtain technical assessments and formal certification recognising the AirFish as a maritime vessel.

Interest in the craft has already extended beyond Singapore. At the Singapore Airshow 2024, Eurasia Mobility Solutions of Turkey ordered up to 10 AirFish units — with options for 10 more — to support tourism and private transport operations in the region.

Oman is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation aviation as it prepares to host the world’s most comprehensive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) evaluation program, led by US aerospace firm Odys Aviation.

The Oman Operational Launch Programme (OLP), slated to begin in early 2026, will test Odys’ Laila aircraft, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) model with a range of around 725 km.

The initiative follows an agreement signed between Odys Aviation, Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

The program will evaluate not only aircraft performance but also end-to-end AAM use cases, establishing Oman as a scalable global model for deploying long-range VTOL technology.

Odys Aviation highlighted Oman’s unique blend of diverse terrain, open airspace, and demanding climate conditions as key advantages for real-world AAM testing.

From mountainous regions and desert interiors to offshore energy sites, the country offers conditions suited to civil, commercial, defense, and emergency missions.

The OLP will assess applications including oil and gas logistics, medical transport, maritime surveillance, and infrastructure monitoring. Ground Control Stations developed with Honeywell Aerospace will also undergo testing to validate autonomous operations.

Odys Aviation praised the Omani government and CAA for adopting progressive aviation regulations that foster innovation while prioritizing safety.

The program supports Oman Vision 2040 objectives by advancing clean transport, boosting national connectivity, and creating high-skilled jobs in emerging aviation sectors.