The annual AAPA Assembly of Presidents is the major event on the AAPA calendar which sees the chief executives of member airlines and other senior members of industry stakeholders gathered together for a day of networking, brainstorming on industry issues, and high-level discussions. Commenting on the outlook, AAPA Director General Mr Andrew Herdman said, “Asian economies have recovered from the global recession at a rapid pace and this has resulted in a tremendous boost to carriers across the region.” At this 54th Assembly of Presidents at Empire Hotel and Country Club, it’s a congregation of all Asia Pacific airlines Presidents/CEO, industry partners, manufacturers, local and international media all in one room!
Read coverage by The Brunei Times and Borneo Bulletin
A dramatic recovery in global trade this year has seen air cargo rebounding with 30% growth, whilst passenger traffic is up almost 15%. The rapid return of business confidence has also resulted in strong demand for premium class seats, a sector in which passenger service focused Asian carriers have traditionally excelled. The broad based recovery and improving mix of business coupled with disciplined capacity and yield management has seen Asian airlines leading the industry in returning to profitability. — AAPA
Martin Eran-Tasker, Technical Director of AAPA addresses a journalist during the Nov 4th Media Lunch
Royal Brunei Airlines flight attendants welcome delegates of the AAPA 54th Assembly of Presidents at Indera Kayangan Ballroom of The Empire Hotel & Country Club
Brian Simpson, Member of the European Parliament and a colleague check board for their seating arrangment.
Amelie-Anne Passot, Head of Regional Marketing, SITA North Asia & Pacific exchanges a light-hearted moment with Royal Brunei Airlines personnel
Here's another shot of the lady in red, Amelie-Anne Passot with Yeo Ghim-Lay (red phone), Reporter for Flightglobal, Singapore. I can't get over Ms Passot's infectious smile :)
Traditional 'hadra' performance ushers Guest of Honour, AAPA delegates and members of the local and international media to the official launch of the event.
'Hadra' performance continues as delegates and invited guests to the AAPA event continue to take their seats and quickly fill up the venue.
Welcome Address by Mr Andrew Herdman, Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines
Welcome Address by Mr Robert Yang, Chief Exective Officer, Royal Brunei Airlines
Brunei’s key mission is to promote trade and tourism growth in this region, and a key element in this strategy is the continuous development of strong, reliable and effective transport links. Air transport is a crucial element of our regional infrastructure plan, and I am delighted that such an influential industry organisation as the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines has chosen Brunei for this very important gathering, and at this very important time. — Guest of Honour YM Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin Bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance.
Welcome Address by YM Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin Bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance
An AAPA delegate checks out the programme booklet that's neatly tucked behind each event pass
Mr Andrew Herdman (R) presents a token of appreciation to YM Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin Bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance.
Mr Andrew Herdman (center) in a conversation with Martin Craigs, President of Aerospace Forum Asia
Tony Tyler (left), Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways shares a moment with Guest of Honour, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Bahrin Bin Abdulah, Deputy Minister of Finance
The Assembly Session begins with a presentation by Mr Andrew Herdman, Director General of AAPA.
Presentation by Mr Brian Simpson, Member of European Parliament, Chairman of the Transport Committee.
Following Mr Brian Simpson's presentation, Tony Tyler, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways asks a question during Question and Answer session.
Listening to Brian's presentation and the manner in which he addresses his critics reminds me of British politics I often listen to on British Forces Radio (in Seria) minus the Yay's and Nay's.
Mr Tony Tyler, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways
The Chief Executive Panelists: Tony Tyler (Cathay Pacific), Tengku Dato’ Sri Azmil Zahruddin (Malaysia Airlines) and Mr. Keisuke Okada, Executive Vice President, Alliances and International Affairs.
Mr. Keisuke Okada, Executive Vice President, Alliances and International Affairs.
Moderating the Chief Executive Panel is Mr Tom Ballantyne, Chief Correspondent of Orient Aviation.
Martin Craigs, President of Aerospace Forum Asia takes notes on his iPad. The large display produces an excellent light source without being obvious. Can
Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
The AAPA is the trade association for scheduled international airlines based in the Asia-Pacific region. The APPA permanent secretariat is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with international representation in Brussels and Washington, D.C. Collectively, the region’s airlines carry 520 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo, representing one-quarter of global passenger traffic and two-fifths of global air cargo traffic respectively, and thus play a critically important role in the ongoing development of global aviation.
