AsPac carriers confab opens today in Cebu

CEBU –Top executives of member airlines comprising the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) are converging here for a two-day conference starting today to discuss ways of preserving the airline industry’s gains in the region in view of recent global developments.

The 46th Assembly of Presidents of the AAPA – this year‘s biggest international event in the Philippines being hosted by Philippine Airlines (PAL) at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort – will be covered by representatives from scores of local and international media organizations.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza will be the guest of honor during today’s opening ceremonies. PAL chairman/CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan will deliver the welcome address while AAPA director general Richard Stirland will give the introduction address.

PAL president/COO Avelino L. Zapanta is this year’s chair of the assembly of presidents, which will hold its executive committee meeting on Nov. 14.

Short presentations on different topics will follow the opening ceremonies, including that of Jon Ash, managing director of Global Aviation Associates; Francis Morgan, international policy officer of the European Commission; Barry Humphreys, director for external affairs of Virgin Atlantic Airways; Martin Symes, commercial director of Zuji; Robert Martin, managing director of SALE; Christopher Clark, deputy chairman of Global Aviation, WILLIS; and Richard Stirland of AAPA.

A separate forum for the more than 60 invited media guests from across the region has been prepared on Nov. 15 to feature as resource persons: Andrew Huang, PAL chief financial officer; Peter Harbison, managing director – Center for Asia Pacific Aviation; Andrew Drysdale, regional director for Asia Pacific — IATA; Ng Wai-Kit, general manager – Aviation Security Company Ltd.; and Martin Symes.

The AAPA’s 46th Assembly of Presidents is being sponsored by Airbus Industrie, Boeing and General Electric Aircraft Engines.

The AAPA, formerly Orient Airlines Association, is a regional grouping of 17 commercial airlines formed in 1966 by Philippine Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Airlines and Malaysian Airlines.

The AAPA holds an annual Assembly of Presidents to discuss common issues affecting the region’s aviation industry. Chairmanship of the assembly is rotated among the host airlines.

Other members of the AAPA include Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Dragonair, Eva Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines.