Airlines "not political playthings", expert says

Airlines "not political playthings", expert says
By admin


The future of aviation depends on the ability of governments to realise airlines are not “political playthings”, according to an industry expert.

Speaking at an aviation conference in Sydney last week, former International Air Transport Association vice president Asia Pacific Andrew Drysdale expressed confidence the industry will thrive. But he stressed there was urgent need for improved infrastructure and government support.

“Airlines are completely capable of continuing to grow at a rate of 6% or 7% per annum to meet the market demand which will be at least that amount,” he said. “Provided we have the infrastructure from airports and air traffic control to do so and may I suggest provided governments understand that airlines are commercial businesses and not political playthings.”

Drysdale insisted the industry is “essential” for business, trade and the world’s “economic well-being”.

“It’s a catalyst for a halo of industries surrounding airlines that do make money,” he said.

But financial responsibility for the survival of many airlines would fall to shareholders and governments in many cases.

“But they will survive, and they will change,” he said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

airlines

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]