BANGKOK – The 17 members of the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) have vowed to make themselves heard more often and more clearly following the organisation’s Assembly of Presidents.
Andrew Herdman, director-general of AAPA, said, “Whilst the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly becoming the powerhouse of the world economy, its airlines are faced by a diversity of complex changes that diminish growth potential and long-term sustainability.
“With fresh thinking, strong leadership and a spirit of co-operation amongst all industry stakeholders, I am confident that current obstacles to development can be progressively removed.
“This will ensure that Asia-Pacific carriers reach their full potential as global industry leaders in the future.”
The assembly reached a consensus on several topical issues, including safety, sustainable aviation, air traffic management, passenger facilitation and liberalisation.
Herdman said Asia-Pacific, unlike Europe, often found it difficult to speak with a single voice but a unified approach was needed if the region was to stand up for itself in the face of increasing regulation being imposed on it from outside.
On passenger security measures, AAPA called on governments to recognise the true costs, both direct and indirect, of making various rules and the corresponding impact on the travel industry.
“It also calls upon government agencies to strike a better balance between national security objectives and the need for efficient passenger and cargo facilitation.”
Herdman said most of the cost of airport security regulations was borne by the passenger “in terms of time and inconvenience”.
