Leaders and experts from the international aviation arena gathered in Singapore on Aug. 6 to address how the global aviation industry can meet challenges and reap opportunities under the current economic uncertainties.

With the theme of "Aviation in Challenging Times: Building Resilience, Leading Recovery," the third World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum attracts more than 100 chief executives from civil aviation authorities, airports and air navigation service providers from over 50 countries and regions and 10 international and regional organizations.

Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, president of the council -- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) -- delivered the keynote address.

He said that the air transport faces more complex and interrelated issues such as the impact of shifting and emerging markets, the growing presence of low-cost carriers, the anticipated shortfall of skilled aviation personnel, new and potential devastating security threats, among others.

He said the aviation industry will have to adjust strategically and decisively. "The scope and depth of our response will determine how quickly and effectively we return to growth and how we build resilience to deal with future downturns," he said.

The two-day forum is organized by the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), the training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

During the opening ceremony, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between ICAO and Singapore to renew the ICAO-Singapore Developing Country Training Program, providing fellowships for participants from developing ICAO Contracting States to attend specialized aviation training courses at SAA.