Doomsayers will be quick to look at a series of route cancellations from Malaysia-based AirAsia X and proclaim the demise of the modern low-cost long-haul model AirAsia X pioneers. The context for the changes – ending service to London Gatwick, Mumbai, New Delhi and Paris Orly – expands beyond fuel costs, rising taxes in Europe and new visa restrictions in Malaysia. AirAsia X was already struggling in Europe and particularly in India. The recent cross-ownership deal between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and the AirAsia Group was also clearly a big factor.
In this paper, Vijay Poonoosamy, chair of IATA’s Industry Affairs Committee, examines some of the issues around the European Union’s controversial Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), most notably the need for a global system that will actually serve to reduce emissions – rather than increase international conflict.
A decision is expected soon on a lawsuit filed by an airline industry trade group that has the potential to cost thousands of U.S. aerospace jobs and cripple the work of the U.S. Export-Import Bank.
Workers employed by Yemen’s national airline won a ground-breaking victory last month when the government agreed to suspend the company’s chairman. They had been on strike alleging he was involved in corruption.
The Yemenia Airways workers, represe…
THE NEW YORK TIMES published a story in late December on the International Air Transport Association’s push for more “streamlined” airport security screenings. IATA, the trade group for the world’s big airlines, has good reason (at least in theory) to support less ridiculous security procedures. After all, airport security is one of the reasons why many people hate flying. But IATA’s proposals belong more to the realm of fantasy than the reality that business travellers face every day.
“Continuing economic uncertainty will likely mean market shortcomings deepening as we enter 2012,” Tony Tyler, IATA Director General and CEO eyes vulnerable market for the year ahead.
The calendar year for global aviation ended with unsettled hopes.