KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has adopted four resolutions covering aviation sustainability, passenger rights, cabin safety and aviation security, while calling on governments to support airlines facing sharply higher fuel prices and operating costs.
The resolutions were adopted at the close of AAPA’s 70th Assembly of Presidents, hosted by Malaysia Airlines Bhd here today.
AAPA director general Wong Hong said Asia Pacific airlines are operating in a more challenging environment compared with 12 months ago.
“The operating environment for Asia Pacific airlines has changed markedly since the last Assembly of Presidents 12 months ago. Carriers have continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.”
“However, the sharp escalation in fuel prices, coupled with other cost pressures and operational uncertainties, has created a far more demanding environment,” he said at a press conference today.
Wong urged governments to work closely with the aviation industry to address the growing financial and operational pressures facing airlines.
“Governments must recognise these pressures and work constructively with the industry to provide support that safeguards the long-term viability of air transport across the region,” he said.
AAPA also called for closer cooperation among governments, aviation regulators and industry stakeholders to address common challenges and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Asia Pacific aviation.
Under the first resolution on aviation sustainability, the association reaffirmed its target of achieving five per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) utilisation by 2030.
This is in support of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
AAPA has asked governments to adopt eight key policy principles when developing national and regional SAF policies.
The principles include providing long-term policy clarity, encouraging competition among SAF producers and suppliers, preventing market concentration and ensuring fair treatment for airlines.
The association also called for policies that support different SAF production technologies based on their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rather than favouring a particular technology.
It wants governments to establish clear SAF certification requirements, preferably based on ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
AAPA also asked governments to align national and international SAF policies while allowing airlines greater flexibility in purchasing SAF, including through the book-and-claim system.
On passenger rights, AAPA called on governments to balance consumer protection with airline competitiveness when introducing or reviewing regulations.
It said passenger protection rules should ensure travellers receive clear information before their flights, regular updates and appropriate assistance during disruptions, as well as efficient complaint-handling procedures.
However, AAPA stressed that responsibility for flight disruptions should be shared fairly among aviation stakeholders, rather than placing a disproportionate burden on airlines.
The association also called for closer cooperation among aviation stakeholders in planning for and managing disruptions, while ensuring passengers have fair and non-discriminatory access to air transport.
The third resolution focuses on strengthening cabin safety through greater cooperation among governments, regulators and airlines.
AAPA identified several areas requiring closer attention, including risks involving lithium batteries, unruly passengers, medical emergencies, aircraft evacuations and cabin crew training.
It also called on aviation regulators across the region to strengthen information sharing and cooperation in developing their regulatory capabilities.
Under the fourth resolution on aviation security, the association called for greater regional collaboration to address human factors that could affect security operations.
These include personnel training, workload management, security culture and organisational learning.
AAPA also encouraged aviation authorities to share best practices through ICAO’s Asia and Pacific aviation security forum.
Wong said the four resolutions outlined the industry’s priorities in strengthening aviation sustainability, safety, security and resilience.
“These resolutions show how Asia Pacific airlines intend to build an aviation industry that is sustainable, safe, secure and resilient.”
“AAPA and its members stand ready to work with governments, regulators and partners across the industry to deliver it, so that Asia Pacific aviation continues to drive growth and connectivity across the region and beyond,” he said.