IATA urges Chinese aviation to follow global standards
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has encouraged China to develop its aviation sector based on global standards and best practices.
Speaking at the China Civil Aviation Development Forum 2012 in Beijing, IATA’s Director-General & CEO, Tony Tyler outlined the critical role aviation will play in China’s economic development, but added that the industry must be developed in a safe manner.
“China is looking to increase its share of world trade from 10.4% to 15%. Aviation connectivity will be critical to making that happen. Already it is prioritising investments in airport and air navigation infrastructure. The challenge is to keep pace with rapidly growing demand, based on the global standards which underpin safe and efficient global connectivity,” said Tyler.
Tyler highlighted two priorities for China’s aviation development; the development of air navigation infrastructure and growth of airport capacity.
“IATA has worked very successfully with China to open new entry points to Chinese airspace and create more flexibility in cooperation with the military. However, the challenge is growing daily as travel demand increases, leading to frustration and delays for airline passengers. The more flexibility we have in how we use and share airspace with the military as well as between domestic and international flights, the better we will be able to manage growth and meet passenger expectations,” Tyler said.
He also urged the Chinese authorities to develop capacity at Beijing’s Capital International Airport, rather than developing a second hub.
“The best solution would be expansion on the same geographic site. Consolidating traffic in one airport creates the most options for connectivity and keeps costs low. But if it is decided that development at a second location is necessary, then a transparent and clear system for allocating operations between the two airports will be required, in consultation with the airlines,” Tyler said.
The IATA chief also commented on China’s aviation charges. Noting that China’s air navigation service charges are “among the highest in the world”, Tyler said that bringing costs in line with global levels will help make Chinese carriers more competitive.
“We also need to eliminate the differential in charges between Chinese and foreign carriers that is unacceptable under ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) policies. This move will also help Chinese carriers improve their competitiveness by forcing them to compete on a more level playing field,” said Tyler.
Tyler also addressed the issue of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and said that while he “fully understands” China’s stance, IATA is keen to avoid a trade war. Chinese airlines are currently withholding carbon data from EU authorities, and are believed to have halted all orders of Airbus wide-body jets in retaliation.
“We continue to urge a solution through the ICAO process,” said Tyler.
“I am confident about China’s aviation future. There is tremendous growth potential and an industry working with government to achieve it. In a few weeks’ time we will invite the aviation world to Beijing for our Annual General Meeting. Working alongside the Chinese industry and the Chinese government I see IATA’s relationship with China as a partnership -navigating through the challenges and building tomorrow,” Tyler concluded.