AsPac airlines okay resolution on tighter security

MACTAN, Cebu – Airline companies in the region passed an 11-point resolution that heightened security measures to be taken to revitalize an industry that has been on a roller-coaster ride since the Sept. 11 attack on the US last year and last month’s terrorist assault in Bali.

At the closing of the 46th Assembly of President of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and chairman of the AAPA Avelino Zapanta, said that resolution reached hopes to reverse the current state of most airlines in the region.

Earlier, AAPA director general Richard Stirland said most of airlines in the region, despite a slight uptick in passenger traffic this year, still face a possible grim future of plunging traffic, depressed yields, an insurance nightmare and slow strangulation by onerous security procedures.

"What has happened in the last few months in terms of subversive and destabilizing terrorism, cannot be ignored or dismissed in the way, that regrettably, has so often been in Asia. It is a real threat to the very existence of airlines," said Stirland.

Zapanta said the resolutions will mean APAA members, along with their respective governments need to work closely together, especially in terms of financing the recommended security measures that will mean billions of dollars in new investments to ensure passenger safety.

"These measures will have to be implemented as soon as possible if we are ever going to restore the confidence of the air-riding public," said Zapanta.

On the resolution focusing on aviation security enhancement, the AAPA said government should have a direct responsibility to ensure safety in the air and on the ground.

Also, aviation security and its funding, measures or standards should be harmonized globally and to facilitate safe and secure passenger and cargo movement, there is a need to encourage security training for new members.

However, the AAPA drew the line on arming flight crews with lethal weapons and on carrying ammunication, firearms, and other weapons in an aircraft, except when authorized .

Zapanta said all security measures globally agreed upon, will be mandatory, harmonized and coordinated between the International Civil Aviation Organization and national authorities.

Other resolutions include: reiterating calls on airport authorities and aeronautical service providers to adopt fair and equitable charges; a resolution calling on governments to create an environment for the computerized reservations systems industry to compete for airline participation; a resolution calling on the European Union to maintain reasonable and non-punitive denied boarding compensation; for the European Union to avoid legislating on airline-passenger contracts, a resolution to reduce the impact of the US Federal Aviation Administration fuel tank redesign requirement, and a resolution for harmonized traffic collision avoidance system standards among regulators.

AAPA regional director Andrew Drysdale said safety and security have been, and will continue to be air transport’s top priorities.