“At such a challenging time for everyone whose business is linked to world trade, ACF 2008 provided a timely opportunity for some 2,800 industry managers and executives to come together to discuss ways to grow and protect their businesses as we head into what is likely to be another difficult year in 2009,” said Jack Boisen, TIACA chairman.
“It was right that we should have focused on the critical issues of security and the environment as these present significant challenges to our industry and are at the top of the agenda for our Industry Affairs Committee and our representatives in Brussels and Washington.”
Boisen also thanked his Malaysian hosts for their warm hospitality, which for most, was probably the only bright spot in an event that lingered under the uncertain shadow of an industry at the mercy of a perilous global economy.
US security
With the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) turning its attention to stricter security for international inbound air cargo as it moves to implement 100 per cent piece level screening of cargo transported on passenger aircraft in the US, Edward J. Kelly, General Manager Cargo, TSA, updated delegates on US efforts to alleviate potential bottlenecks as a result of the policy.
The TSA’s first milestone of 50 per cent piece level screening for cargo carried on passenger aircraft comes into force in February, rising to 100 per cent in August 2010. These deadlines are congressionallyimposed and not flexible, he added.
The policy for international inbound cargo, he stated, includes harmonisation with foreign governments through open dialogue on the vulnerabilities of the international aviation system.
Some of the efforts being taken to avoid causing bottlenecks and congestion at airports include moves by the TSA to allow secure, audited and certified shipper and forwarder facilities to screen cargo earlier in the air cargo supply chain, notably through the roll out of its Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP).
Speaking in the same session on security, Tom Wheelwright, senior vice president Public Policy Asia Pacific for DHL Express, said authorities should not be too reliant on physical measures rather than ‘intelligence’ available from industry and other government agencies, he said, and highlighted the need for alignment in the security requirements of Customs, aviation security and transport.
He called for a ‘whole of government approach’ which considers ICAO, the WCO SAFE Framework and others.
Environment
As well as looking at the prospects and challenges facing the Asia Pacific region, the other main theme of the conference was the environment.
Looking at the implications of ‘green’ taxes on aviation, Andrew Herdsman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said he opposes the unilateral imposition of punitive “green taxes” that do nothing for the environment.
Herdsman said the additional cost of carbon would only be sustainable if applied in a non-discriminatory way and subject to international agreements, preferably via ICAO.
He acknowledged that while governments set the climate change policy framework, strong leadership from the aviation industry could help overcome political inertia and “move in the right direction.” He suggested the most contentious issue facing his airline members is the extraterritorial aspect of a unilateral EU imposition of its carbon trading scheme.
To plan for sustainable growth, he said the airline industry must be seen to be paying for its environmental impact and should plan to factor the cost of emission charges in its growth forecasts.
