Airline leaders in attendance at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 68th Assembly of Presidents, which opened in Brunei Darussalam on November 14, have passed a series of resolutions covering sustainability, aviation safety, and the streamlining of regulations.
In a press statement, AAPA said airlines are firmly committed to reducing their carbon footprint. With extreme weather events on the rise, airline leaders are aware of the risks to aviation safety from climate change. With Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in short supply, AAPA believes that a multi-prong strategy in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) net zero emissions reduction roadmap, is critical to meeting the industry’s net zero emissions target.
The assembly passed a resolution calling on governments, suppliers, air navigation service providers, and airlines to deploy all aspects of the ICAO roadmap, namely SAF, breakthrough technology, Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (more commonly known as CORSIA) offsets, and operational efficiency, in pursuing the net zero emissions by 2050 goal.
In particular, SAF produced by co-processing sustainable feedstock together with crude fossil fuel in conventional aviation fuel refineries, is a cost-effective way to stimulate SAF supply. Airlines and fuel suppliers could give impetus to SAF transition with co-processed SAF being made available at airports immediately.
Subhas Menon, AAPA director general, said: “Every new generation of aircraft and engine delivers 15 to 20 per cent more fuel efficiency. The acceleration of plans for carbon-friendly aircraft and propulsion systems is an effective pathway to the common goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, starting with short-haul aircraft that currently account for some 28 per cent of industry emissions. With delays in the delivery of new generation aircraft, airlines are extending the use of older equipment. A strategy that prioritises technology alongside SAF, is a surer route to carbon neutrality, than one over-reliant on SAF.”
Aviation safety remains the number one priority of all airlines. The assembly adopted a resolution calling for civil aviation authorities, aviation safety agencies, and airlines to work closely together to share best practices through data analysis, to mitigate risks such as the loss of control in-flight. The resolution also called on all stakeholders to support the adoption of safety measures that address the most critical risk categories identified in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Assembly of Presidents acknowledged that supply chain disruptions and air space closures, are leading to more flight diversions, delays, and cancellations, while also inhibiting future growth.
A third resolution was passed calling on governments to refrain from introducing unilateral measures that would disproportionately inconvenience the travelling public and increase the cost burden on the airline industry, while achieving limited benefits. There needed to be greater recognition of the value of aviation to the global economy, and closer collaboration among governments, industry, and service providers, to streamline protocols for international travel.
Menon concluded: “The outlook for the region’s airlines is broadly positive, given the sustained demand for air travel and strong rebound in trade activity. It is a remarkable recovery on key metrics, considering that air transport ground to an almost complete standstill for two years during the pandemic. This is also a timely testament to the industry’s endurance and longevity as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the ICAO Chicago Convention in 2024. By keeping the travelling public and the economies we serve at the core of our strategy, the industry is well positioned to tackle upcoming challenges and pursue sustainable growth in the years ahead.”