AAPA Calls on Governments to Support Airlines Amid Unprecedented Operating Cost Pressures

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) today called on governments across the region to provide timely, practical support to airlines facing sharply higher fuel prices and mounting operational hurdles. The call was made at the close of the Association’s 70th Assembly of Presidents, hosted by Malaysia Airlines in Kuala Lumpur.
Together, these pressures are driving up operating costs and adding uncertainty to airline planning. They are weighing on an industry that plays a vital role in supporting economic activity, trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
AAPA Director General Wong Hong said, “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 added, “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.”
Industry Resilience
More widely, AAPA is calling for a more coordinated and collaborative approach among
governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to address shared issues and
strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Asia Pacific aviation.
The Assembly adopted four resolutions covering aviation sustainability, passenger rights,
cabin safety and aviation security.
Aviation Sustainability
AAPA reaffirmed its target of 5% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilisation by 2030, in
support of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) long-term aspirational goal
of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Association called on governments to take a
leadership role by adopting eight key policy principles as the basis for national and regional
SAF policies.
The principles promote an ecosystem approach across the whole SAF value chain, and
long-term policy clarity tailored to national readiness. They encourage competition,
discourage market concentration and call for a level playing field for all airlines. They also
favour a technology-neutral, performance-based approach that rewards greater
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, and clear certification requirements, ideally
requiring fuel certified under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International
Aviation (CORSIA). Finally, they call for global and domestic policy harmonisation, and
flexibility for airlines in procuring SAF, including formal acceptance of book-and-claim within
a region.
Passenger Rights
With passenger rights regulations proliferating across the Asia Pacific region and beyond,
AAPA called on governments to apply a set of core principles when developing or reviewing
such regulation. The principles seek a balance between passenger protection and industry
competitiveness, without compromising safety and security. They cover clear information
and consumer education before travel, regular updates and appropriate care during
disruptions, and efficient complaints handling afterwards. They also stress that liability
should recognise the shared responsibilities of aviation stakeholders, so that airlines do not
bear a disproportionate burden. All parties should collaborate and plan together for
disruptions, and in the provision of non-discriminatory access to air transport.
Cabin Safety
AAPA called for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators and airlines to
address cabin safety issues, including lithium battery risks, unruly passengers, medical
emergencies, evacuations and crew training. It also encouraged greater regional
cooperation among regulators, including information sharing and support for capacity
building.
Aviation Security
AAPA resolved to promote greater regional collaboration to integrate human factors into
aviation security, focusing on training, workload management, security culture and
organisational learning. It also encouraged the sharing of regional best practices through
ICAO’s Asia and Pacific aviation security forum.
Looking Ahead
Together, the four resolutions set out a practical, shared agenda for the region’s airlines,
governments and regulators.
“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 Mr.
Wong.
Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
The AAPA is the trade association for scheduled international airlines based in the Asia Pacific region.
The AAPA permanent secretariat is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with international
representation in Brussels and Washington, D.C. Collectively, the region’s airlines represent over onethird of global passenger and air cargo traffic, and thus play a leading role in the ongoing development of global aviation.