With the rapid growth of the aviation industry and the pace of liberalisation, policies and regulations that govern the operations of international carriers continue to be introduced.  From security regulations to passenger facilitation regulations, the aviation industry still remains an industry that is heavily regulated.  Often such regulations differ from country to country, and from region to region, creating a myriad of conflicting and unending requirements that airlines have to comply with.

AAPA works to promote harmonisation of regulations and the liberalisation of the industry, including but not limited to the following:

• Passenger Facilitation Legislations
• Cargo Facilitation Legislations
• Competition Legislations

Passenger Facilitation Legislation
AAPA member airlines are recognised leaders in standards of service and are committed to the safe transport of all passengers in a non-discriminatory manner.

AAPA supports its members through coordinating forums that members from the operational departments are able to share experiences in compliance to certain regulations, with the aim of promoting best practices amongst members whilst at the same time ensuring that all passengers are carried in a non-discriminative manner.  AAPA also actively assists members in consultations sought by national and regional agencies, representing its members in providing Asia Pacific industry’s perspective and comments to proposed legislations.

Cargo Facilitation Legislation
The importance of air cargo transportation has been increasing over recent years as a result of economic globalisation.  Air freight is a re reliable and high-quality transportation widely used, especially for cargos that are of high value, highly perishable and where timing is crucial.

AAPA supports and works closely with the cargo arm of member airlines in discussing cargo facilitation legislations that are impacting cargo operations.

Competition Legislation
Market liberalisation and intense competition have fundamentally changed the economic environment of air transport.  There is a trend in the region where antitrust and unfair competition laws were passed under the belief that the economy functions best when competitors have limits for permitted activities. Activities governed by law include monopoly, pricing limitations, predatory practices, merger control, advertising etc.

AAPA actively tracks issues relating to antitrust and anti competitive issues relevant to the aviation industry, and advises member airlines on the recent developments, with the aim in preparing member airlines for upcoming legislation trends within the region.