The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) resolutions adopted at its AP70 event in Kuala Lumpur call for government support on fuel costs, SAF book-and-claim and shared passenger rights liability.
It set out its agenda in four AAPA resolutions adopted on November 13 at the close of its 70th Assembly of Presidents in Kuala Lumpur, covering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), passenger rights, cabin safety and aviation security.
AAPA said these pressures are driving up operating costs and making airline planning more uncertain.
"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," said AAPA director general Wong Hong.
"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," Wong added.
AAPA also wants governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to coordinate more closely on shared issues, to strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Asia Pacific aviation.
On passenger rights, the AAPA resolutions respond to the spread of passenger rights regulation across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. AAPA asked governments to apply a set of core principles when they draft or review such rules, balancing passenger protection with industry competitiveness without compromising safety and security.
The principles say liability should reflect the shared responsibilities of aviation stakeholders, so that airlines do not carry a disproportionate burden. They also cover clear information and consumer education before travel, regular updates and appropriate care during disruption, and efficient handling of complaints afterwards. All parties should plan together for disruption and work together to give non-discriminatory access to air transport.
On sustainability, AAPA reaffirmed its target of 5% SAF use by 2030, in support of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) long-term aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The association asked governments to adopt eight policy principles as the basis for national and regional SAF policy.
The principles call for competition in SAF supply, no market concentration and a level playing field for all airlines.
AAPA also wants flexibility for airlines in buying SAF, including formal acceptance of book-and-claim within a region.
The principles also favour a technology-neutral, performance-based approach that rewards greater greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
They call for clear certification requirements, ideally requiring fuel certified under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), global and domestic policy harmonisation, an ecosystem approach across the SAF value chain, and long-term policy clarity tailored to each country's readiness.
On cabin safety, AAPA called for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators and airlines on lithium battery risks, unruly passengers, medical emergencies, evacuations and crew training.
On the subject of passengers consuming excessive alcohol prior to boarding, Wong told LCRAB that it was time for "an honest discussion" on the subject.
It also encouraged regulators across the region to cooperate more, including by sharing information and supporting capacity building.
The aviation security resolution commits AAPA to promote regional collaboration on integrating human factors into security, with a focus on training, workload management, security culture and organisational learning.
Regional best practice will be shared through ICAO's Asia and Pacific aviation security forum.
AAPA member airlines together carry more than one-third of global passenger and air cargo traffic.
"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," said Wong.
