At a gathering of members of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines at Kuala Lumpur on Monday November 25, assembly passed a number of resolutions, including those on the environment, infrastructure, slots, passenger facilitation, and taxation. “The emergence of Asia as a powerhouse driving the global economy during the 21st century naturally creates a sense of optimism for the region's dynamic air transport industry in the long term,” said Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General. “However, success cannot be automatically assured without robust efforts to support carriers, who continue to face an ever-increasing number of challenges to achieving strategic development and growth. Given the significant contribution that air transport makes towards wider economic and social development, governments need to adopt a much more positive attitude towards the industry and work meaningfully towards removing obstacles that hinder the sustainable growth of the industry.”
With regard to aviation infrastructure, the Asia Pacific region recognises that travel demand is projected to more than double over the next two decades. As a consequence, considerable investment has to be made in airport and air traffic management (ATM) infrastructure development and, as the AAPA states: “to collaborate beyond national borders and commit to the development and implementation of enhanced Asia Pacific air traffic flow management systems.”
Snapshots of the Assembly's other resolutions include, for the environment: “AAPA calls on governments and operators to work together towards the effective implementation of CORSIA in a way that is fair and equitable, avoids competitive market distortion, and recognizes the interests of developed and developing nations.” In relation to cybersecurity: “As such, AAPA urges governments, industry and other stakeholders to establish a global and regional approach to cybersecurity built on the basis of trust and transparency, and to work together to enhance cyber threat awareness, promote cybersecurity culture, and strengthen cyber resilience.” Regarding air travel accessibility: “AAPA calls on governments to work closely with other aviation stakeholders towards a shared long-term vision of harmonised international practices on the facilitation of passengers with disabilities, with the aim of achieving a more inclusive air transport system.” In relation to slots: “AAPA calls on governments and slot coordinators to manage the allocation of slots in an independent, transparent, fair and non-discriminatory manner in line with ICAO guidance and established international standards and procedures such as the Worldwide Airport Slots Guidelines,” while finally, on taxation: “AAPA renews its call on governments to refrain from increasing the burden of aviation levies in any form on international air travellers.”
