Kathmandu, December 6:

The country is celebrating ICAO Day with the theme ‘Tomorrow’s Aviation, a World of Opportunity for Skilled Aviation Personnel’ today. The UN General Assembly in a resolution has officially recognised December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day.

“With foreign airlines getting more interested in Nepal, the celebration is timely,” said Birendra Kumar Singh, undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. He opined that if the aim of the celebration was to stress worldwide awareness about the importance of international civil aviation in socio-economic and cultural development of countries, then ICAO also should promote safety and efficiency in international civil aviation.

ICAO is very keen to see that all countries recognise and participate in ICAO Day festivities so that they get not only aware but understand fully the importance of safety, security and economy of civil aviation transportation.

After Nepal threw open its skies, the aviation sector started looking up. Domestic and international airlines are increasingly offering services. The sector has also created employment opportunities as it needs trained manpower. Aptly, this year’s theme describes it as a ‘World of Opportunity for Skilled Aviation Personnel’.

ICAO Day was first celebrated in 1994 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the convention on international civil aviation - Charter of ICAO.

“Nepal with its vibrant, exotic backdrop of the Himalayas and Tarai amalgamated with its glorious culture and varied languages has enhanced it all into a more dignified tourist destination,” undersecretary Singh added.