BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) will be more vocal on raising the supply chain issues faced by its member airlines to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
AAPA director general Subhas Menon said the association could bring airlines and OEMs together to come up with workable solutions involving issues such as delayed delivery of new aircraft as well as lack of engines and spare parts availability, to name a few.
"It's quite difficult for us to discuss the solutions with the OEMs because those are more specific and there are a lot of commercial agreements involved with that.
"But at least we can bring the two to the table and also push them to come up with workable solutions," he said at the closing press conference of the AAPA's 68th Assembly of Presidents today.
Menon added that the supply chain issues faced by airlines are the biggest challenge the industry is facing and unfortunately there are no ready solutions.
"The supply chain in the industry is broken. It has to be rebuilt. We have to see how the OEMs help us to address this issue.
"OEMs cannot do it on their own. They would also need help from the airlines and airlines are willing to help them and work with them, but they have to make the first move to try and address some of these issues," he said.
The OEMs involved include airframe manufacturers, engine makers as well as avionics producers.
The supply chain disruptions have led airlines, including Malaysia Airlines Bhd which is a member of AAPA, to face challenges such as flight diversions, delays and cancellations while also inhibiting future growth.
The AAPA had adopted a few resolutions at the its Assembly of Presidents, including calling for civil aviation authorities, aviation safety agencies and airlines to share best practices through data analysis to mitigate risks such as the loss of control in-flight.
The resolution also called on all stakeholders to support the adoption of safety measures that address the most critical risk categories identified in the Asia Pacific region.
AAPA also called on governments to refrain from introducing unilateral measures that would hinder the public to travel and increase the cost burden on the airline industry.
"There needed to be greater recognition of the value of aviation to the global economy and closer collaboration among governments, industry and service providers to streamline protocols for international travel," Menon said.