Downturn hits Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. AAPA needs a fundamental rethink

2009 was an annus horribilis for the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) in more ways than one. AAPA's members carried 5.7% fewer passengers last year than in 2008, racking up significant losses in the process. But the Association also suffered the losses of Qantas and Air New Zealand from its membership, raising questions in some quarters as to the future prospects of the regional airline body.