Although 2015 was the safest on record for commercial aviation an there no major accidents involving large western-built commercial planes by Asian carriers, challenges remain for regional turboprop operators in the region.
That is the view of trade body the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), which said there are ‘particular challenges’ facing small turboprop operations.
Turboprops still experience a higher accident rate compared to larger jet aircraft, said AAPA director general Andrew Herdman.
"Turboprop operations play an important role in serving smaller markets and developing regions of the world, but do face some specific operational challenges," Herman said.
"We believe there are opportunities to further enhance safety performance by focusing particular attention on the importance of human factors including relevant flight training and adherence to standard operating procedures, as well as investments in upgrading the relevant air navigation aids and ground infrastructure at airports."
Last summer a Trigana Air ATR turboprop went down in the Indonesian province of West Papua killing 54, while two months later a Twin Otter turboprop operated by fellow Indonesian airline Aviastar crashed in Sulawesi claiming 10 lives.
"Governments have an important role to play in ensuring that the necessary aviation infrastructure, including effective regulatory oversight, keeps pace with the expected growth. AAPA’s safety objective is to deliver further positive improvements in safety performance," Herman added.
