Members vow to unite

 MEMBERS of the Association of South Pacific Airlines have agreed to closely work with each other to improve intra-regional scheduling.

During the association’s general session in Australia, members agreed to ensure that where no direct links existed, direct connections were made available as far as practically possible – using the current air connectivity map provided by the secretariat.

Other areas to be pursued include the formation of working groups to deal with specific issues such as spares pooling, and joint procuring of commonly used items including fuel.

Association chairman Simon Foo, the chief executive officer of Air Niugini, assured the delegates that the association would take on board the various recommendations and report the progress at the next conference.  

The bi-annual conference was focused on enhancing profitability by managing changes in the aviation industry.

The conference addressed common changes such as the introduction of new aircraft, enforcement of new regulations that impact on systems, procedures and personnel. 

Members also discussed the recent review of the Pacific Island Air Services Agreement which was tabled by the Forum Secretariat.

The airlines deliberated on how they could collaborate sub-regionally to improve intra-regional connectivity. 

The members noted the advances already made in the Melanesian Spearhead Group tripartite arrangement between Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu. 

The 115 delegates included executives from airlines, airports, aircraft manufactures, leasing companies, aviation consultants, regulator, insurance broker, global distribution systems providers ANS providers and other industry service providers and observers.