The introduction of ASEAN Open Skies could start at the end of 2008
Positive signs are emerging that the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will stick to an air services liberalisation timetable that takes effect from the end of 2008.
Several years ago the 10 ASEAN members informally agreed that they would work towards a full liberalisation of air services within their region by 2015. As a starting point, third and fourth-freedom air services between their respective capital cities are to be fully liberalised from the end of 2008, followed by the liberalisation of fifth-freedom rights beyond capital cities from the end of 2010.
While some member nations have been calling for earlier implementation of the first multilateral liberalisation measures, others have suggested the timetable should be slowed. But most industry observers now say momentum appears to be on the side of implementation as planned from the end of 2008.
Association of Asia Pacific Airlines director general Andrew Herdman is one of those expressing optimism that the first elements of the air services liberalisation programme in Southeast Asia will take effect as planned. Herdman said in November at the AAPA's annual meeting of member airlines that "the mood nowis that more progressive liberalisation" is the right way forward.
Herdman says that in the past the ASEAN members have "talked a good game" and not followed through on economic liberalisation initiatives, but for air services "over the past 12 months the mood seems to be optimistic they will stick to the timetable". He adds: "They seem to be a bit more enthusiastic about sticking to the timetable now."
Herdman also says recent moves towards liberalisation in other areas are encouraging, such as traditionally protectionist Japan, which has effected liberalisation of rights to its secondary cities through a new air services agreement with South Korea.
"The mood now is that more progressive liberalisation is the right way forward"
Andrew Herdman
Director general, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines
ASEAN's 10 member nations
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Source: Airline Business
