Air New Zealand (ANZ) has withdrawn from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, following a similar decision by Qantas Airways announced last week.
"Air New Zealand chose not to renew its membership late last year," says a carrier spokeswoman. She declined to comment further on the reasons behind the airline's decision.
Qantas said last week it would not renew its AAPA membership when it expires this year, adding that its interests in the broader Asia-Pacific have extended beyond those focused on by the AAPA.
The withdrawal of Qantas and ANZ leaves the AAPA with just 15 member airlines.
Reacting to Qantas' decision, AAPA's director general Andrew Herdman says: "All airlines are under severe pressure given the impact of the global economic downturn. Nevertheless, the benefits of cooperation and working together on key industry policy issues have never been more evident."
The association will continue to work on behalf of its members, and promote the successful development of the aviation industry, he adds.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
