Page 38 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 Online Magazine

COLUMN ANDREW HERDMAN

Under Pressure

Airlines alone cannot be made to bear the burden on what is considered a systemic
responsibility to address

alternative to options such as emissions
trading, charges or any other form of
financial disincentive. Notwithstanding,
consideration of MBOs should be based
on sound practical judgement recognising
the principles of equity and flexibility
through proper cost benefit analysis.
Airlines alone cannot be made to bear the
burden on what is considered a systemic
responsibility to address emissions.

•Sustainability
AAPA aims to continually promote and
enhance the role of aviation in the region
recognising the significant contribution
aviation can make to long-term
sustainable growth aimed at balancing
RECOGNISING ThE RELATIONShIP role which aviation plays in economic economic prosperity, social responsibility
between aviation and the environment, development in the region. and environmental conservation.
AAPA strives to continually consider
solutions to mitigate the environmental Key issues currently addressed by AAPA •Night Flight Restrictions
impacts. Environmental impacts are seen as are as follows: The implementation of noise mitigation
systemic beyond the control of the operators. measures should not be taken in isolation
Inefficient management of airspace, •Climate Change from other complementary measures or
restrictive operational procedures and AAPA recognises that climate change alternate means. Night flying restrictions
inadequate infrastructure can inadvertently is a major challenge facing society as a are not a viable solution taking to
offset the investments by airlines to mitigate whole. Mitigating the effects of climate consideration the operation profiles
its effects on the environment. change is a responsibility that must be of certain flights due to scheduling
AAPA aims to promote and enhance borne by all elements of society and and capacity constraints at destination
the role of aviation in the region in view industry. Despite significant strides by airports, which are beyond the control of
of the significant contribution aviation air transport over the last three decades the operator. Recognising the potential
can make to long-term sustainable to improve fuel efficiency by 70%, this is impact on its member airline operations,
growth aimed at balancing economic only accepted as a historical norm and AAPA actively seeks out, engages and
prosperity, social responsibility and the industry remains under political responds to regulatory initiatives at the
environmental conservation. pressure to accomplish more. international and regional level. AAPA
AAPA actively engages in dialogue works closely with its member airlines
and works with industry stakeholders •Policy on Emissions and other stakeholders to coordinate and
to lobby for a more coherent global AAPA seeks to promote market-based formulate appropriate responses.
approach to issues regarding climate options (MBOs) such as new/improved
change, and promulgate a better level technology and enhancements to Andrew Herdman is the Director General
of understanding of the important infrastructure and procedure as an of Association of Asia Pacific Airlines

AAPA aims to promote and enhance the role of aviation
in the region in view of the significant contribution
aviation can make to long-term sustainable growth

38 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM