February 15: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, has welcomed the publication of the “Doha Declaration”, a manifesto that calls for a serious review of the existing aviation regulatory framework.

The declaration, which was announced at the conclusion of the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit held in Doha, comes 75 years after the historic Chicago Convention, which established the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as well as a set of global rules for airspace, air safety and air travel, reads a statement issued by Qatar Airways on February 13.

Commenting on the declaration, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Al Baker said, “Qatar Airways wholeheartedly endorses the Doha Declaration and calls on airlines all over the world to join us in supporting it”.

The Doha Declaration has recommended all the governments to relax restrictive airline ownership and control rules, which underpin the bilateral air services system, constraining rationalisation of market access; increase efforts to encourage plurilateral liberalisation, for example as promoted by the European Union; enhance sustainability – in its broadest meaning – in the aviation sector; and actively encourage aeropolitical discussion and further engagement at the highest levels.