Airlines' grouping AAPA calls for government support amid surging fuel prices, operational costs

Kuala Lumpur: Asia Pacific airlines' grouping AAPA on Friday urged governments to provide timely and practical support to the carriers as they grapple with high fuel prices and operational challenges.

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) -- which represents 18 carriers, including Air India -- has also called for having government leadership during the sustainability transition amid challenges related to using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for decarbonisation.

At the close of AAPA's 70th Assembly of Presidents in the city, the grouping's Director General Wong Hong said four resolutions were adopted.


They pertain to aviation sustainability, passenger rights, cabin safety, and aviation security.

The association emphasised the need for a more coordinated and collaborative approach among governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to address shared issues.

Against the backdrop of rising operational costs for airlines, AAPA called upon governments in the region to "provide timely, practical support to airlines".

In the wake of the West Asia crisis, the prices of jet fuel, which generally account for around 33 per cent of an airline's operational costs, have shot up.

While airlines continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, Wong said the sharp escalation in fuel prices, coupled with other cost pressures and operational uncertainties, has created a far more demanding environment.

Regarding the resolution on aviation sustainability, he said the focus should be on a series of principles that will touch upon various aspects related to the SAF value chain such as encouraging competition, favouring a technology-neutral, performance-based approach and clear certification requirements.

The principles also call for "global and domestic policy harmonisation, and flexibility for airlines in procuring SAF, including formal acceptance of book-and-claim within a region," AAPA said in a release.

On cabin safety, the grouping has pitched for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators and airlines to address issues, including lithium battery risks, unruly passengers, medical emergencies, evacuations and crew training.