COLOMBO : In a resounding affirmation of its commitment to advancement and innovation, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) hosted the monumental inaugural event – the 1st International Conference on Aviation Research (ICAR) 2023. This historic gathering took place with grandeur and enthusiasm at the Bandaranaike International Airport on August 23, 2023, drawing luminaries, experts, and professionals from the global aviation community, marking a transformative moment for the aviation industry.
Under the resounding theme, ‘Transforming Aviation for a Sustainable and Digitalized Future, the conference will serve as a global platform for aviation industry practitioners, academia, researchers, and students to converge and share their intellectual contributions, addressing the most pressing contemporary aviation challenges. AASL organized this launch event with the primary objective of fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation to shape the future of aviation.
The conference encompassed a wide array of critical domains, including Airport Operations and Management, Airline Management and Economics, Air Traffic Management and Control, Aviation Safety and Security, Sustainable Aviation and Environmental Impact, Emerging Technologies in Aviation, Aviation Education and Training, Aviation Economics and Policy, Tourism and Hospitality, and Aviation Human Factors and Ergonomics. This comprehensive approach reflects the conference’s dedication to holistic progress within the aviation sector.
The meticulously crafted conference agenda aimed to offer attendees an immersive experience. As the event commenced, a radiant oil lamp was lit, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the collaborative spirit that would define the day’s proceedings. Major Gen. (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri, Chairman of AASL, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day’s discussions.
Dr. Sumith De Silva, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AASL, then introduced the concept of the conference, underscoring the significance of the event in the aviation landscape. And enlightened the participants and invited the industry experts, professionals and spirant researchers of the international airlines, airline operators, tourism organizations, transport and logistics institutions, university academics and other key stakeholders to take part in this collaborative endeavour.
Addressing the academic facet, Professor (Dr.) D.A.C. Suranga Silva, Professor in Tourism Economics and Coordinator of Sustainable Tourism Unit, Department of Economics, elaborated on the conference’s objectives and the broader picture. Prof. (Dr.) Dewasiri N. Jayantha, Professor in Finance, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Vice President – SLIM, Brand Ambassador – South Asia for Emerald Publishing UK, delved into the key milestones and processes that would guide the proceedings of the International Conference on Aviation Research (ICAR) 2023.
The international perspective was embodied by Mr. Sundar Radhakrishnan, the Regional Director of Emerald Publishing, who shared a message that resonated with the conference’s mission of knowledge dissemination. Ms. Roshani Masakorala, Manager Airport Operations at Etihad Airways, brought the perspective of the Airline Operators’ Committee to the forefront, offering insights into the operational dynamics of the aviation industry.
Mr. Priantha Fernando, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, spoke about the synergy between aviation and tourism, underscoring the pivotal role aviation plays in nurturing the tourism sector. The grandeur of the event was magnificently amplified by the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, who shared his perspectives on the industry’s evolution and its alignment with sustainable and digitalized goals.
With the 1st International Conference on Aviation Research (ICAR) 2023, AASL has successfully pioneered a platform that bridges the gap between academia, industry, and research, forging a path towards a sustainable and digitally enhanced aviation landscape. As the conference concluded, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with knowledge and insights destined to shape the future of aviation.
In a world where the aviation industry is undergoing transformative changes, the 1st International Conference on Aviation Research (ICAR) 2023 stands as a beacon of enlightenment and innovation, heralding a new dawn for aviation in Sri Lanka and around the world.
Prospective scholars and aviation enthusiasts are invited to submit their abstracts to [email protected], and they will be guided by a renowned expert panel comprising experienced academia from both national and international universities.
