AAPA: Industry enters challenging phase, government support necessary
Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) stated (25-Nov-2019) the industry is entering a challenging phase, with strategic development and profitability threatened by a slowing global economy, political uncertainties and a multiplicity of operational constraints. Director general Andrew Herdman said while the emergence of Asia as a powerhouse driving the global economy during the 21st century creates a sense of optimism for the region's dynamic air transport industry in the long term, success cannot be automatically assured without robust efforts to support carriers. Mr Herdman noted governments need to adopt a more positive attitude towards the industry and work towards removing obstacles that hinder the sustainable growth of the industry. AAPA called on government and industry stakeholders to undertake the following measures:
- Deliver effective ATM services to meet present and future operational requirements and collaborate beyond national borders for the development of enhanced Asia Pacific air traffic flow management systems;
- Effectively implement CORSIA in a way that is fair and equitable, avoids competitive market distortion, and recognises the interests of developed and developing nations;
- Refrain from applying duplicative requirements on international aviation CO2 emissions;
- Establish a global and regional approach to cybersecurity and work together to enhance cyber threat awareness, promote cybersecurity culture, and strengthen cyber resilience;
- Work towards a shared long term vision of harmonised international practices on the facilitation of passengers with disabilities and develop a work programme on improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities;
- Manage the allocation of slots in an independent, transparent, fair and non discriminatory manner, and ensure timely investments in the development of aviation related infrastructure, including airport runways and terminal capacity, as well as modernising air traffic management systems, to meet the projected growth in demand for air transport;
- Refrain from increasing the burden of aviation levies in any form on international air travellers. [more - original PR]