The 68th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), hosted by Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), commenced on Wednesday with a packed agenda designed to spark meaningful dialogue on the future of the aviation industry.
Held under the theme, ‘Jetting into 2050 – Future-proofing Asian Aviation’, the two-day assembly brought together leaders from Asia-Pacific’s leading airlines to discuss sustainable growth, innovation, and strategies to meet future industry demands. Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha officiated the opening ceremony at The Empire Brunei.
In his welcoming address, RB CEO Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid (pic left) reflected on the industry’s progress since the pandemic, noting that passenger and cargo traffic have surpassed 2019 levels. He emphasised, however, that despite these gains, the industry continues to face significant challenges such as labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. “The industry’s path to full recovery is still marked by obstacles. We must work together under the AAPA umbrella to overcome these hurdles and operate safely and sustainably,” Captain Sabirin said.
The CEO also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enhance productivity and passenger experience and called for stronger collaborations and dialogue among stakeholders. He pointed out that platforms like AAPA and IATA offer a collective voice to address pressing industry issues.
The AAPA comprises 15 member airlines, including Air Astana, Air India, ANA, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. This year, RB was honoured to host the event, marking a significant milestone as it coincides with the airline’s 50th anniversary.
Key topics discussed during the assembly included aviation sustainability, decarbonisation efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, digital transformation, and enhancing passenger experiences through seamless, digitised services. Industry experts shared insights on overcoming challenges related to supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer expectations.
Beyond formal discussions, RB provided delegates with a unique opportunity to experience Brunei’s rich culture and heritage. Wednesday’s post-assembly programme included a half-day city tour with visits to iconic landmarks such as Kampong Ayer, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Delegates were also treated to local cuisine and Bruneian hospitality, showcasing the nation’s reputation as the Abode of Peace.
Hosting the 68th AAPA Assembly has been a proud moment for RB, reinforcing its dedication to connecting Brunei to the world and supporting sustainable practices aligned with global industry standards. As RB looks forward, it remains committed to collaborating with industry leaders to foster a resilient, innovative, and sustainable aviation industry for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
