Asia Pacific Airlines Need Varied Support, Says AAPA Director General
Quick Look
- Wong Hong, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, stated that carriers require diverse aid, from financial support to flexible schedule cuts.
- He expressed concern over airlines facing difficulties, citing Spirit's recent shutdown due to fuel prices, and noted that Hong Kong airlines and Air New Zealand have received no support despite forecasting losses.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Airlines across the Asia Pacific region are facing financial challenges. Wong Hong, the new director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, has voiced concerns about the need for government support to prevent further airline failures.
Wong Hong, who took over as director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines last month, said carriers needed varying levels of help and relief, from direct financial support to being able to cut flight schedules without negative consequences.
“Nobody wants to see any airline getting into a situation like what we’re seeing with Spirit,” Hong said in an interview. “If those things were to happen before governments take action, that would be a pity.”
Spirit shut down operations earlier this month after buckling under the weight of surging fuel prices.
Meantime, Hong Kong airlines have not received any support so far, and nor has state-controlled Air New Zealand, despite forecasting a large full-year loss that has forced it to accelerate cost cuts.
Open Questions
- What specific forms of financial support are being considered by governments?
- What are the potential consequences if governments do not intervene?
- Will Hong Kong airlines and Air New Zealand receive any support in the future?
- What is the outlook for the airline industry in the Asia Pacific region?
