IATA - Leadership challenges for Australia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) challenged Australia to take a leadership role in three areas that are critical to aviation: security, environment and liberalisation. The call came from Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO in a speech to the Australian National Aviation Press Club in Sydney.

“Oil prices are re-shaping the air transport industry. In recent months at least 25 airlines have gone bust and airlines could lose as much as US$6.1 billion this year.

While prices have come down from their peak, oil is still trading above US$110 per barrel (Brent). Fundamental changes are critical,” said Bisignani. “Australia’s National Aviation Policy Review is a golden opportunity for Australia to take a leadership role and drive change in security, environment and liberalisation.”

Security: “Aviation is much more secure today than in 2001. But the global system remains a US$5.9 billion uncoordinated mess because governments are not thinking or acting globally.

Decisions driven by fear cannot build a more secure global air transport system. Governments must take a risk-based approach to security and harmonise with global standards,” said Bisignani. Bisignani highlighted Australia’s requirement for screening at the gate at the last port of call as extra-territorial duplication resulting in added cost and confused passengers.

Environment: “The Kyoto Protocol gave the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) the responsibility to deliver a global emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

As a signatory to Kyoto, Australia has a responsibility to defend it. That means challenging Europe on its unilateral ETS. What right does Europe have to charge an Australian plane flying from Asia to Europe for emissions over Afghanistan?”, asked Bisignani.