Asia-Pacific airlines call for government support as high fuel costs bite

Detailed summary

Regional airline body also calls for efforts to boost sustainable fuel supply, passenger rights, cabin safety

Regional airline body also calls for efforts to boost sustainable fuel supply, passenger rights, cabin safety

[KUALA LUMPUR] The Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has urged regional governments to support airlines as elevated aviation fuel prices begin to hurt the sector.

The organisation also called for more co-operation to address the lack of sustainable jet fuel, as well as issues pertaining to cabin safety, such as lithium battery fires and unruly travellers.

Wong Hong, director-general of the AAPA, said: “The operating environment for Asia-Pacific airlines has changed markedly (in the past year). The sharp escalation in fuel prices, coupled with other cost pressures and operational uncertainties, has created a far more demanding environment.”

The 17 member airlines of the trade body passed resolutions on these issues at its annual Assembly of Presidents meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Nov 13).

On high fuel prices, AAPA asked that governments provide timely, practical support to airlines facing sharply higher fuel prices and mounting operational hurdles.

Wong added: “Governments must recognise these pressures and work constructively with the industry to provide support that safeguards the long-term viability of air transport in the region.”

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On support related to operating costs, Wong said the specifics would vary by market and carrier: “I urge governments to engage with their respective home carriers to find solutions or better answers for them… (These) can be quite different for different carriers, depending on market conditions and depending also on the level of urgency.”

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