AAPA demands more regulatory freedom as industry recovers from global recession

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) called (20-Nov-2009) on the region's governments to provide carries with more freedom and efficiency to help build a stronger and more sustainable industry in the long term, following the difficulties through the global financial downturn.

• Environment: Adopt a global sectoral approach to aviation and the environment, instead of a "patchwork of uncoordinated schemes and arbitrary levies that will fail to achieve the desired environment objectives in a cost effective manner";
• Taxation:Refrain from "unfair taxation" on the aviation industry;
• Air Traffic Management Infrastructure: Support the development of a regional framework that will address air traffic management infrastructure needed to support future regional industry growth in an efficient and cost effective manner, including the adoption of inter-operable globally harmonised technologies;
• Passenger Facilitation: Recognise the true costs, both direct and indirect of implementing various rulemakings, and the corresponding impact on the traveling public. AAPA also called on governments to consider the benefits of broadening the use of technologies, including self-service facilities, to improve the efficiency of passenger facilitation. [more] [more - Director General's speech]

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines: "Whilst airlines grapple with this multiplicity of commercial and operational challenges, governments appear oblivious to the calls of the industry for less interference and greater efficiency. Restrictive policies and unfair taxation are without doubt undermining recovery. In order for the industry to achieve long term sustainability and growth, it is now time for governments to wake up to the idea of removing policies that have inhibited development for decades. Even more fundamental is the need for governments to allow greater structural reform. We want a fresh look at restrictions on national ownership and control. They hold back consolidation, and hinder access to international capital markets. Airlines must have the commercial freedom to compete, just like other international businesses," Andrew Herdman, Director General. Source: Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, 20-Nov-2009.