Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the 14th meeting of the Directors of Civil Aviation of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (NACC), the first time the gathering has been held in the OECS-ECCAA region, bringing together aviation leaders from across the hemisphere to address safety, security, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

The meeting, running June 1 through 5 at the American University of Antigua, drew directors of civil aviation from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, alongside representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), and regional and international partners.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Civil Aviation and Transportation, Michael Freeland, told delegates that aviation holds a particular significance for small island states.

“For Antigua and Barbuda, aviation is far more than transportation. It is our connection to the world,” Freeland said. “It is the bridge that drives tourism, trade, investment, family connections, and economic opportunity. Quite simply, aviation is the lifeblood for small island states like ours.”

Freeland also pointed to Antigua’s historical role in regional aviation, noting that during the 1960s the island served as home to the Eastern Caribbean Directorate of Civil Aviation, covering territories from the British Virgin Islands to Grenada.

“That legacy continues today through the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority,” he said. “ECCAA is proof that small states can achieve big things when they work together.”

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Marietta Christian, described the meeting as arriving at a critical moment for the industry.

“This week’s meeting comes at a time when international civil aviation faces a multitude of challenges ranging from high aviation fuel prices to emerging regional and global health concerns,” Christian said.

She also drew attention to Antigua and Barbuda’s rising profile as a conference destination, noting the country will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar outlined progress under the organisation’s strategic plan covering 2026 to 2050, which sets targets of zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions by the plan’s end.

Salazar pointed to a looming milestone in the ratification of Chicago Convention amendments that would expand the ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission, with the Bahamas recently becoming the 126th state to ratify.

Director General of ECCAA, Anthony Whittier, described the 14th NACC meeting as the most significant aviation regional gathering Antigua has hosted.

“This is the creme de la creme of aviation collaboration in the region,” Whittier said.

He also confirmed that ECCAA would sign an initial memorandum of agreement with Transport Canada on aviation security during the meeting and announced that the Eastern Caribbean Airport Executives Forum would be held on August 5 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The opening ceremony also included a moment to honour Peter Abraham, a civil aviation officer with more than 40 years of service to Antigua and Barbuda, particularly in aviation security and facilitation.

Abraham, who is set to officially retire in October, received a recognition plaque presented by Minister Freeland.

“In anything, you have a mission, but you also have a team,” Abraham said following the presentation, dedicating the recognition to his colleagues.

“Excellence is what we always portray from our six OECS states. We must continue to do the work imposed on us to ensure that safety and security is always up in front of us.”

The 14th NACC Directors of Civil Aviation meeting continues through June 5.