SEVERAL resolutions covering the areas of environment, taxes, passenger services, passenger facilitation, safety and security were passed at the conclusion of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 56th Assembly of Presidents on Friday.
In the area of environmental conservation, AAPA called on the European Union to postpone the inclusion of international aviation in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, pending international agreement.
AAPA also pleaded for governments to refrain from increasing aviation levies in any form, which would put financial strain on travellers and the aviation industry.
Andrew Herdman, AAPA director-general, said: “The bold initiatives being taken by Asia-Pacific carriers to change the competitive landscape offer great promise to the travelling public, but governments seem oblivious to the counterproductive impact of never ending new legislation and taxation.”
On passenger services, AAPA wanted governments to recognise the role of a competitive marketplace in motivating airlines to respond to passengers’ needs and service expectations, and to steer clear of legislation that would act as a disincentive.
Government agencies were also asked to consult widely with the aviation industry to strike a better balance between national border control objectives and the need for efficient passenger facilitation, and to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated towards passenger processing at checkpoints.
For safety, AAPA said air transport remained the safest form of travel because of cooperation between the industry and governments, coordinated by the International Civil Aviation Organization, urging governments not to impose punitive measures and restrictions on foreign carriers.
Lastly, to ensure security, the association encouraged governments to develop and implement intelligence-led, outcome-based security measures that realistically balance risks against the costs and inconvenience posed to travellers.
– Read more in TTG Asia, November 16-29, 2012
