AAPA 51st Assembley of Presidents - Strong Resolutions Adopted on Major Industry Challenges

Friday 16th November, 2007

Association members play increasingly important role in global aviation
Bangkok, Thailand - The 51st AAPA Assembly of Presidents concluded in Bangkok today with the adoption of a series of strong resolutions that are intended to effectivelytackle major industry challenges on critical issues including Safety Oversight, Safety Investigations, Sustainable Aviation, Air Traffic Management, Passenger Facilitation and Continuing Liberalisation. This firm stance reflects the increasingly important role that Chief and Senior Executives of the seventeen AAPA member airlines play in the global aviation industry. AAPA member airlines collectively carried 285 million passengers and ten million tones of cargo in 2006, representing approximately one-fifth of global passenger traffic and one third of global air cargo respectively. Traffic growth rates in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region continue to be well above the global average, with carriers from the region offering some of the highest standards of passenger service and sustained levels of profitability in the world. “Whilst the Asia Pacific region is rapidly becoming the powerhouse of the world economy, its airlines are faced by a diversity of complex challenges that diminish growth potential and long term sustainability. With fresh thinking, strong leadership and a spirit of cooperation 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,” said Andrew Herdman, Director General AAPA.

Resolution on Safety Oversight
Safe air travel remains the number one priority for AAPA and the Association has reiterated the call on governments to strengthen safety oversight and their safety agencies to fully implement safety management systems, as defined by ICAO. It also highlighted the need for governments to properly resource and support their regulatory agencies, as well as strengthen the reporting culture and sharing of safety information.

Resolution on Safety Investigations
On the issue of Safety Investigations, AAPA is calling upon governments to more effectively expedite safety investigations using both their own resources, as well as those of other competent authorities. AAPA also wants to see governments and industry work together in reviewing the outcome of relevant safety investigations, in order to develop recommendations on future regulatory actions and further improve safety standards.

Resolution on Sustainable Aviation
With the impact of aviation on climate change being an issue of critical importance to the sustainability of the industry, AAPA is renewing its call on governments to continue supporting research in airframe and engine technologies that will further reduce the levels of noise and emissions. The Association believes that voluntary initiatives and market based measures, rather than additional levies, are more appropriate and effective policy tools in addressing aviation’s environmental impact. It also renews its call on governments, airports and air navigation service providers to actively explore ways to improve the efficiency of airspace utilisation and airport operations.

Amongst new initiatives, AAPA calls upon governments to support efforts within the ICAO framework to reach a consensus on globally harmonised policies towards aviation and climate change, as well as to work towards policies on international aviation that do not distort international competition.

Resolution on Air Traffic Management
With air travel demand forecast to continue growing at 5% per annum and the number of flights worldwide expected to double to 50 million by 2025, AAPA calls upon governments to focus on improving overall efficiency when developing airport designs, airspace routing and air traffic flow management procedures. The Association goes further in calling on governments to improve coordination and cooperation with airspace users and air navigation service providers prior to the implementation of new generation systems and applications.

Resolution on Passenger Facilitation
Whilst AAPA recognises the importance of the security measures implemented in recent years to create greater protection for passengers, it also acknowledges that the cumulative effects of these lengthy procedures can often result in a disenchanting service experience despite the best endeavours of the airlines and airports. In order to avoid further escalation of these negative sentiments, AAPA calls upon 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. AAPA urges governments to widely consult with the aviation industry and to seek international consensus before the introduction of new security requirements that impact on the smooth flow of passengers.

Resolution on Continuing Liberalisation
Given the significant contribution that air transport makes to overall economic growth across the Asia Pacific region, AAPA calls upon governments to recognise the benefits of further progressive and orderly liberalisation, and to give positive consideration to the application of broader definitions of ownership and control, in order to facilitate the efficient development of the global air transport industry.

This 51st AAPA Assembly of Presidents was hosted by Thai Airways International and attracted more than 150 delegates from member airlines, as well as industry partners including regulators, manufacturers, suppliers, airports and service providers.

-Ends

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
The AAPA is the trade association of major scheduled international airlines based in the Asia-Pacific region. The AAPA permanent secretariat is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with international representation in Brussels and Washington, D.C. Collectively, the 17 AAPA member airlines carry 285 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo representing approximately one-fifth of global passenger traffic and one-third of global air cargo traffic respectively, and thus play a critically important role in the ongoing development of global aviation.

For further information, please contact:
Office of the Director General
Tel +603 2145 5600 Fax +603 2145 2500
email: odg@aapa.org.my